Test Details

• Discipline:

  Biochemistry

  Biochemistry

• Specimen Container Adult:

  Whole blood-EDTA

  Whole blood-EDTA

• Specimen Container Paediatric:

  Whole blood-EDTA

  Whole blood-EDTA

• Minimum Volume Adult:

  5 mL blood

  5 mL blood

• Minimum Volume Paediatric:

  5 mL blood

  5 mL blood

• Special Requirement:

  NB: Urine is sample of choice

  NB: Urine is sample of choice

• Interpretation:

  Symptoms of arsenic poisoning begin with headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea, and drowsiness. As the poisoning develops, convulsions and changes in fingernail pigmentation called leukonychia stri...

  Symptoms of arsenic poisoning begin with headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea, and drowsiness. As the poisoning develops, convulsions and changes in fingernail pigmentation called leukonychia striata, Mees' lines, or Aldrich-Mees' lines may occur. When the poisoning becomes acute, symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, blood in the urine, cramping muscles, hair loss, stomach pain, and more convulsions. The organs of the body that are usually affected by arsenic poisoning are the lungs, skin, kidneys, and liver. The final result of arsenic poisoning is coma and death.

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• Reference Ranges:

  Provided on report from referral laboratory.

  Provided on report from referral laboratory.

• Factors Affecting Result:

  For arsenic analysis, diet must be free of seafood for 5 days.

  For arsenic analysis, diet must be free of seafood for 5 days.

• Routine Contact Name:

  Duty Biochemist

• Routine Telephone:

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

• Routine Email:

  nuth.dutybiochemist@nhs.net

• Specialist Test:

  Yes

  Yes