Cobalt, 24-Hour Urine — Mass Concentration
Measures cobalt in urine collected for 24 hours to help evaluate recent cobalt exposure, including possible exposure from certain metals, industrial materials, or medical devices.
["An elevated result may indicate increased cobalt exposure, while a low result usually suggests little recent exposure."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 21208-4
- Short code
- Cobalt 24h Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cobalt 24h Ur-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 56
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302773008
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of cobalt in your urine over a full 24-hour period. Cobalt is a metal that can enter the body through certain foods, supplements, workplace exposures, or medical devices.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to assess recent cobalt exposure or to monitor workers who handle cobalt-containing materials. It may also be used to evaluate symptoms such as breathing difficulty, skin irritation, or throat and mouth irritation when cobalt exposure is suspected.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for 24 hours using the container and instructions provided by the laboratory or clinic. The collection period includes every urination during that time, and the container is returned for laboratory analysis.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required. Start and finish the collection at the specified times, record any urine lost or spilled, and follow all instructions from the clinic. Tell your clinician about occupational exposure, cobalt supplements, recent surgery with a metal implant, and any medicines you take.
Reference range
Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-hour urine cobalt
Frequently asked questions
Does this test show how much cobalt is in my body?
Do I need to avoid eating foods that contain cobalt?
What if I miss part of the 24-hour urine collection?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy