Cobalt, Whole Blood — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of cobalt in a whole-blood sample to help evaluate exposure or cobalt released from a medical implant.
["This test measures cobalt in blood and may help identify excessive exposure or wear of certain metal implants."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5625-9
- Short code
- Cobalt Bld-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cobalt Bld-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- 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
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A cobalt whole-blood test measures the concentration of the element cobalt in your blood. It may be used to assess recent or ongoing exposure to cobalt or to investigate possible cobalt release from certain joint implants.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you work with cobalt-containing materials, take a cobalt supplement, or have a metal implant that could release small amounts of metal. It may also be used when symptoms raise concern that a medical device is affecting your health.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected, usually by venipuncture, and sent to a laboratory for specialized measurement. The laboratory reports the cobalt concentration in the sample, and your doctor interprets it along with your exposure history, symptoms, medications, and any implants.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your doctor's instructions about supplements and occupational exposure before the blood draw. Tell the laboratory and your doctor about any cobalt-containing supplements, recent work exposure, and medical implants, because these factors 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 cobalt level may indicate environmental or occupational exposure, intake of a cobalt supplement, or release of cobalt from a metal implant. The level should be interpreted with the timing of the blood draw and the patient's clinical context. An isolated result does not by itself establish toxicity or implant failure.
Short name
Cobalt, Whole Blood
Frequently asked questions
Does a high cobalt level mean I have cobalt poisoning?
Why is the sample called whole blood?
Should I stop taking a cobalt supplement before the 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