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Cobalt - Blood

Cobalt - Blood

The Cobalt - Blood test is a vital laboratory examination designed to measure cobalt levels in the blood, crucial for diagnosing and managing cobalt exposure-related conditions. Cobalt, while essential in various industries, can cause toxicity if exposure is excessive, leading to symptoms like cardiomyopathy and pulmonary issues. This test is particularly important for individuals in industries such as mining and alloy production, where cobalt exposure is common. It involves collecting a whole blood specimen in a royal blue top (EDTA) Vacutainer tube, with a minimum volume of 0.5 mL required. Utilizing Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), the test offers precise cobalt level measurements. Elevated results suggest possible exposure, with interpretation considering exposure sources, such as orthopedic implants. Special handling instructions are crucial to avoid contamination, and the test is not suitable for assessing vitamin B12 activity. Its clinical applications include monitoring occupational exposure, diagnosing toxic ingestion, and evaluating metal-on-metal implant wear.

Price of test:£53

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £53

Awaiting result:

8 days

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

The Cobalt - Blood test is a vital diagnostic tool for measuring cobalt levels in the blood, crucial for identifying exposure and potential toxicity. It serves several key purposes:

- Occupational Exposure: Essential for workers in industries like mining and alloy production, ensuring safety by monitoring cobalt levels.
- Toxic Ingestion: Detects cobalt toxicity symptoms such as cardiomyopathy and pulmonary fibrosis, enabling timely intervention.
- Metal-on-Metal Implants: Monitors cobalt levels in patients with such implants, indicating potential prosthetic wear.

Accurate results depend on proper specimen collection and handling, using ICP-MS for precise analysis.

Who Should Get Tested

The Cobalt - Blood test is essential for assessing cobalt exposure and potential toxicity. It is particularly important for:

- Occupational Exposure: Workers in industries like mining and alloy production should undergo periodic testing to monitor cobalt levels, even if asymptomatic.
- Toxic Ingestion: Detects cobalt toxicity symptoms such as cardiomyopathy and pulmonary fibrosis, enabling early intervention.
- Metal-on-Metal Implants: Recommended for patients with such implants to monitor for prosthetic wear.

Accurate results guide diagnosis and management, ensuring timely treatment and prevention of complications.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results from the Cobalt - Blood test is crucial for diagnosing and managing cobalt exposure. Here's a brief guide:

- Elevated Levels: Indicate potential cobalt exposure. Contextual interpretation is essential, especially for those with orthopedic implants.
- Occupational Exposure: Regular testing is advised for workers in cobalt-related industries.
- Toxic Ingestion: Early detection is vital for preventing long-term health issues.
- Implant Monitoring: Elevated levels may suggest prosthetic wear, requiring further evaluation.

Accurate interpretation aids in effective treatment and management of cobalt-related conditions.

Price of test:£53

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £53

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

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While our AI provides deep analytical insights, the human touch remains indispensable. Every AI-generated interpretation is meticulously reviewed by experienced medical professionals, ensuring a harmonious blend of advanced technology and expert clinical judgment. This dual-layer approach guarantees that the insights provided are not only technologically sophisticated but also clinically relevant. Our medical experts ensure that the AI's interpretations align with current medical standards and practices, adding a layer of validation that only seasoned healthcare professionals can provide. This process reinforces the reliability of the test results, offering peace of mind to both patients and healthcare providers.

Language Model and Trusted Sources

At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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