Cobalt

Pathology category

Biochemistry - referred tests

Code

COB

Referral code

Request form

Test information

Medical Device Alert for all metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacements (2010) Measure chromium and cobalt in patients with painful MoM hip replacement. Note: whilst elevated blood chromium and cobalt concentrations reflect varying degrees of wear to the hip implant, it is currently not possible to interpret these results with respect to any potential toxicity effects on the patient.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Reference range

see report

Tube type

Tube type info

EDTA / Heparin / Trace metal

Special requirements

Whole blood

Minimum volume

2 mL

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

2 weeks

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 weeks

Referral lab

Regional Toxicology Laboratory, City Hospital