Cobalt, 24-Hour Urine — Substance Concentration
Measures the amount of cobalt excreted in urine over 24 hours, primarily to assess recent exposure to cobalt or identify possible sources such as workplace exposure or joint implants.
["An elevated result can suggest increased cobalt exposure, but it must be interpreted with your occupation, medical history, and collection quality."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34269-1
- Short code
- Cobalt 24h Ur-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Cobalt 24h Ur-sCnc
- 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 all urine collected over a 24-hour period. Cobalt is a trace element that can enter the body through workplace exposure, certain products or medicines, or a cobalt-containing joint implant.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test if you work with metals or metal-containing products, have possible exposure to contaminated medicines, or have a joint implant that could release small amounts of cobalt. It may also be used to follow an abnormal result over time.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24 hours, usually in the special container provided by the laboratory. Record when the collection began and ended, keep the container closed, and return it promptly so the laboratory can measure the amount of cobalt.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and ask about work clothes, medicines, or dietary supplements that may affect the result. Do not stop medicines or change your diet unless your clinician specifically tells you to do so.
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
Do I need to fast for this test?
What happens if I miss part of the urine collection?
Can a joint implant affect the result?
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