Cobalt, 24-Hour Urine — Mass Rate
A 24-hour urine test that measures the amount of cobalt eliminated in urine, most often used to assess exposure to cobalt in occupational settings.
["This test can help determine whether recent cobalt exposure is unusually high."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29916-4
- Short code
- Cobalt 24h Ur-mRate
- Synonyms
- Cobalt 24h Ur-mRate
- 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 cobalt in urine collected over 24 hours. The result reflects the amount of cobalt released from the body during the collection period and is used mainly to evaluate exposure to cobalt, including workplace exposure.
Why might I need this test?
You may need this test if you work with cobalt or cobalt-containing materials, such as certain metals, batteries, alloys, or industrial dust. It may also be used to follow an existing exposure or investigate symptoms that could be related to cobalt exposure.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period into a container provided by the laboratory. The container may need to be kept refrigerated or protected from light, depending on the laboratory's instructions. The total volume and collection time are recorded, and the laboratory measures the cobalt concentration and calculates the amount excreted per day.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully and avoid losing urine during the 24-hour period. Your employer or clinician may advise changes in work activities, medication, diet, or supplements. Do not stop medications without medical guidance, and ask whether special metal-free containers are required to prevent contamination.
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
What does a high urine cobalt level mean?
Is this test the same as a routine 24-hour urine test?
Can I take my usual medicines or supplements before this test?
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