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Aluminum
MessageSendout, Mayo test code: AL
Test Code
LAB665
Alias/See Also
AL (Aluminum), Serum
CPT Codes
82108
Preferred Specimen
1.2 mL serum from Greiner Z Trace Element no-additive for Aluminum only. See Reference Department for special tube.
Patient Preparation
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Instructions
1. Keep the specimen handling area clean and free of dust.
2. Clean the venipuncture site with alcohol. Do not use povidone-iodine swabs or pads.
3. Use only the supplies listed in this document.
4. Do not ream a serum or plasma specimen with a wooden stick to remove clots.
5. Do not insert any utensil or pipet into the specimen. Transfer specimen by pouring from one tube to another.
2. Clean the venipuncture site with alcohol. Do not use povidone-iodine swabs or pads.
3. Use only the supplies listed in this document.
4. Do not ream a serum or plasma specimen with a wooden stick to remove clots.
5. Do not insert any utensil or pipet into the specimen. Transfer specimen by pouring from one tube to another.
Transport Container
Mayo metal-free screw capped, polypropylene vial
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Refrigerated (preferred): 7 days
Ambient: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Ambient: 7 days
Frozen: 7 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis, lipemia or icterus.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
FDA Status
Approved
Setup Schedule
Tuesday
Report Available
2-8 days
Limitations
Failure to pay attention to proper specimen collection procedures can cause abnormal results due to specimen contamination, which can lead to misinterpretation and misdiagnosis:
-Special evacuated blood collection tubes are required for aluminum testing.(4) These tubes are readily available (Greiner Z Trace Element no-additive (Aluminum Only), 6 mL [T713]) and should always be used.
-Most of the common evacuated blood collection devices have rubber stoppers that are comprised of aluminum-silicate. Simple puncture of the rubber stopper for blood collection is sufficient to contaminate the specimen with aluminum. Typically, blood drawn in standard evacuated blood tubes will be contaminated by 20 to 60 ng/mL aluminum.
-The use of wooden applicator sticks or pipette tips during specimen aliquoting can cause abnormal results due to contamination.
-Special evacuated blood collection tubes are required for aluminum testing.(4) These tubes are readily available (Greiner Z Trace Element no-additive (Aluminum Only), 6 mL [T713]) and should always be used.
-Most of the common evacuated blood collection devices have rubber stoppers that are comprised of aluminum-silicate. Simple puncture of the rubber stopper for blood collection is sufficient to contaminate the specimen with aluminum. Typically, blood drawn in standard evacuated blood tubes will be contaminated by 20 to 60 ng/mL aluminum.
-The use of wooden applicator sticks or pipette tips during specimen aliquoting can cause abnormal results due to contamination.
Reference Range
<7 ng/mL
<60 ng/mL (dialysis patients)
<60 ng/mL (dialysis patients)
Clinical Significance
Preferred monitoring for aluminum toxicity in patients undergoing dialysis.
Preferred test for routine aluminum screening.
Monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear.
Preferred test for routine aluminum screening.
Monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Rochester, Minnesota
Additional Information
Aluminum, Serum
