Micronutrient, Cobalt, Blood

Test Code

10244

CPT Codes
83018

Preferred Specimen

4 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA trace metal-free (royal blue-top) tube

Patient Preparation
Patient should refrain from taking mineral supplements, vitamin B-12 or vitamin B complex three days before specimen collection.

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Whole blood collected in: Sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Instructions

Patients should be 18 years of age or greater.

Avoid worksite collection. To avoid contamination, use powderless gloves. Do not aliquot specimens.

Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non-acid washed/non metal-free container may not accurately reflect the patient's level. If a non-trace element tube/container is received, it will be accepted for testing. However, elevated results shall be reported with a message that re-submission with a trace element tube/container is recommended.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold-packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 10 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 1-4 days

Reference Range

≥18 years

≤1.8 mcg/L

Reference range not available for individuals <18 years for this micronutrient test.

Clinical Significance

Cobalt is part of our diet. Approximately 85% of absorbed cobalt is excreted in the urine and the remainder eliminated in stool. Toxicity may occur in select industrial environments. Cobalt is not mined in the United States so primary supplies are imported.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.