Skip to content

Cobalt, Whole Blood — Substance Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A blood test that measures the amount of cobalt, a trace metal, in whole blood. It may help assess exposure or monitor levels related to certain medical devices.

Quick summary

["This test measures cobalt in your blood to help identify unusual exposure or potentially harmful levels."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
15119-1
Short code
Cobalt Bld-sCnc
Synonyms
Cobalt Bld-sCnc
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?

This test measures the concentration of cobalt, a naturally occurring trace element, in whole blood. Cobalt is found in the body in small amounts and may also be present in workplace exposures, supplements, and some medical devices.

Why might I need this test?

A doctor may order this test to assess cobalt exposure, investigate symptoms that could be related to excess cobalt, or monitor a patient who has a cobalt-containing medical implant. The reason for testing can affect how the result is interpreted.

How is the test performed?

A small blood sample is collected from a vein, usually in your arm. The laboratory measures the cobalt concentration in the whole-blood sample using an appropriate analytical method.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is usually required. Tell your healthcare professional about any supplements, medicines, occupational exposures, or medical implants that could affect your result, and do not stop prescribed treatments unless instructed.

Reference range

Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

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

Cobalt (Whole Blood)

Frequently asked questions

Is this the same as a vitamin B12 test?
No. Although cobalt is part of the vitamin B12 molecule, this test directly measures cobalt in the blood and does not measure vitamin B12 itself.
Does the test require fasting?
Fasting is generally not required, but your healthcare professional or laboratory may provide specific instructions. Supplements and occupational or medical-device exposures should be reported.
What can cause an elevated result?
Possible causes include workplace exposure, cobalt-containing supplements, certain medications, or corrosion and release from a cobalt-containing implant. The result should be interpreted together with your medical history and other findings.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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