Cobalt, Blood

Test Code

COBA

Quest Code

35417

CPT Codes
83018

Preferred Specimen

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

Patient Preparation

Patient should refrain from taking mineral supplements, vitamin B₁₂ or vitamin B complex 3 days prior to specimen collection

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube/container (non-acid washed) 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.

Instructions

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

Transport Container

EDTA (royal blue-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Monday-friday

Report Available

4-7 days

Reference Range

≤1.8 mcg/L

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.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-Chantilly VA

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20151-2228

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.