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Cobalt, blood

Item Value
Available Stat? No
Test code COBL
Performed by Quest
Sendout? Yes
Method Inductively-Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry
Patient Preparation Patient should refrain from taking mineral supplements, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B complex three days prior to specimen collection
Collection Instructions To avoid contamination, use powderless gloves.
Container type Navy blue top (EDTA) with Lavender printing on label.
Amount to Collect 4 mL blood
Sample type EDTA whole blood
Preferred volume 4 mL
Min. Volume 2 mL
Processing notes Do not aliquot specimen or freeze. Refrigerate tube and forward to CB.
Units µg/L (mcg/L)
Normal range ≤ 1.8 µg/L
Stability Room temperature 2 days, refrigerated 5 days, frozen unacceptable
Turn around times 3-4 days
Additional information Cobalt is part of our diet. Approximately 85% of absorbed cobalt is excreted in the urine and the remainder eliminated in stool. Toxicity may occur in select industrial environments. Cobalt is not mined in the United States so primary supplies are imported.
CPT coding 83018-90
Last Updated 5/22/2013 1:30:28 PM
Entry Number 1473

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