Cobalt, 24-Hour Urine — Excretion Rate
This test measures how much cobalt your body releases in urine over 24 hours and is used to evaluate exposure to cobalt from work, medicines, supplements, or medical devices.
["The result helps determine whether recent cobalt exposure is causing your body to excrete an unusually high amount of cobalt."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25379-9
- Short code
- Cobalt 24h Ur-sRate
- Synonyms
- Cobalt 24h Ur-sRate
- 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?
Cobalt is a trace element found naturally in the body and in many foods. This test measures the amount of cobalt excreted in all urine collected over a 24-hour period, which can help assess recent exposure and whether cobalt is being released from a medical device or another source.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order this test if you work with cobalt-containing materials, take a cobalt supplement, have a metal joint replacement or other implant, or have symptoms suggesting exposure. It may also be used to monitor people with suspected cobalt allergy or toxicity.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in a container provided by the laboratory. The amount is measured and adjusted for the total urine collected, allowing the laboratory to calculate the amount of cobalt excreted per unit of time.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and record when the collection starts and ends. Avoid missing urine or spilling it into the container, and tell the clinician about occupational exposure, supplements, and any metal implants, since these can affect the result.
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.
A higher-than-expected result may indicate increased cobalt exposure from work, supplements, food sources, or a medical implant that is releasing metal. The result must be interpreted alongside exposure history, symptoms, and other tests because recent exposure and individual factors can influence urinary cobalt levels. A lower result generally has less clinical importance.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Cobalt
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Why is urine collected for 24 hours instead of one morning sample?
Can a high result mean my joint implant is releasing cobalt?
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