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
Room temperature: Indefinitely
Refrigerated: Indefinitely
Frozen: Unacceptable
Methodology
Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry
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.
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.
Performing Laboratory
ARUP Reference Laboratory
New York DOH Approval Status
Yes