Suitable Specimen Types
- Plain Spot Urine
20 mL urine collected end of shift, towards the end of the working week
Sample Processing in Laboratory
Place in Send Away Fridge.Sample Preparation
Urine: thymol (black label) or Random (Sterile universal container) 20 mL urine collected end of shift, towards the end of the working week.
Turnaround Time
10 DaysSample Stability
UsualUrine Cobalt
General Information
Cobalt is found in metal alloys that are very hard, have high melting points and are resistant to oxidation. Occupational exposure occurs during production and machining of these metal alloys and has led to interstitial lung disease. Cardiomyopathy and renal failure are symptomatic of acute cobalt exposure. The most effective means of identifying individuals with excessive cobalt exposure is through quantification of Urinary Cobalt.
Patient Preparation
Cobalt clears from body within 3 days of exposure ceasing. Check patient still exposed at time of collection
Reference Range
Normal values <2 nmol/mmol creatinine
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: TEQAS