Test Details

Mnemonic

COBLD

Ordering Code

3619940

CPT-4 Code(s)

83018

Specimen Information

Patient Preparation

Patients should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals and non-essential over-the-counter medication (upon the advice of their physician).

Collect

Dark blue trace element EDTA

Specimen Preparation

Send 6.0 mL whole blood room temperature in the original collection tube.

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Rejection Criteria

Heparinized specimens, frozen specimens, clotted specimens, specimens transported in containers other than specified

Stability

If the specimen is drawn and stored in the appropriate container the trace element values do not change with time.

Room temperature: Indefinitely
Refrigerated: Indefinitely
Frozen: Unacceptable

Methodology

Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry
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Reference Range

0.5 - 3.9 ug/L
Interpretive data: Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of blood cobalt, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended. Blood cobalt levels can be used in the assessment of occupational exposure or toxic ingestion. Symptoms associated with cobalt toxicity vary based on route of exposure or toxic ingestion. Symptoms associated with cobalt toxicity vary based on route of exposure and may include cardiomyopathy, allergic dermatitis, pulmonary fibrosis, cough and dyspnea. Blood is the preferred specimen type for evaluating metal ion release from metal-on-metal joint arthroplasty.
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Performing Laboratory

ARUP
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New York DOH Approval Status

Yes
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