Cobalt, Co
Clinical Background:
Cobalt is an essential trace element utilised mainly in the form of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Deficiency of cobalamin causes pernicious anaemia, but cobalt deficiency per se is virtually unknown in ...
Cobalt is an essential trace element utilised mainly in the form of vitamin B12 (cobalamin). Deficiency of cobalamin causes pernicious anaemia, but cobalt deficiency per se is virtually unknown in humans. Cobalt toxicity causes increased production of haemoglobin and can induce hypertriglyceridaemia and hypercholesterolaemia.
Clinical application of chromium and cobalt measurement arises from the use of a chromium/cobalt/molybdenum (65/30/5) alloy in orthopaedic implants, especially hip replacements. Chromium and cobalt are released by friction on the metal-on-metal surfaces due to slight misalignment and can lead to failure of the implant. If uncorrected there can be severe local tissue damage with formation of a pseudo-tumour and necrosis of soft tissue. The MHRA has issued two warnings on these implants suggesting that the patient needs to be followed up for the life of the implant.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with purple-striped label (EDTA anticoagulant)
Available on request from Blood Sciences reception at both Freeman and RVI sites
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with purple-striped label (EDTA anticoagulant)
Available on request from Blood Sciences reception at both Freeman and RVI sites
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with purple-striped label - preferred sample if sufficient blood can be collected
Pink top paediatric tube (EDTA anticoagulant)
Navy blue top 'trace element' tube with purple-striped label - preferred sample if sufficient blood can be collected
Pink top paediatric tube (EDTA anticoagulant)
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Minimum Volume Adult:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
1 mL blood
1 mL blood
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Sample Stability:
Whole blood samples are stable at 2-4°C for up to 6 weeks or at -20°C indefinitely.
Whole blood samples are stable at 2-4°C for up to 6 weeks or at -20°C indefinitely.
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient temperature.
Ambient temperature.
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Freq Analysis:
Assay performed weekly.
Assay performed weekly.
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Quality Assurance:
Trace Element Quality Assurance Scheme (TEQAS) for Trace Elements
Trace Element Quality Assurance Scheme (TEQAS) for Trace Elements
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Reference Ranges:
Comment
Cobalt (nmol/L)
Normal (without hip replacement)
MHRA limits (<7 ppb)
<10
<120
Comment
Cobalt (nmol/L)
Normal (without hip replacement)
MHRA limits (<7 ppb)
<10
<120
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Other Info:
Assay performed by ICP-MS in standard mode.
Assay performed by ICP-MS in standard mode.
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email:
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes