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Cobalt/Creatinine [Mass Ratio] in Urine — Turbidimetric Measurement

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

Measures urinary cobalt relative to creatinine, helping account for differences in urine concentration when evaluating possible cobalt exposure.

Quick summary

["This test evaluates cobalt exposure by measuring the amount of cobalt relative to creatinine in urine."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
110422-3
Short code
Cobalt/Creat Msmt Ur
Synonyms
Cobalt/Creat Msmt Ur
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 the amount of cobalt in urine compared with the amount of creatinine. Creatinine is used as a reference because urine output and concentration can vary from person to person.

Why might I need this test?

It may be ordered for people who work with cobalt or cobalt-containing materials, or who have had possible exposure. It can also help assess whether a urine sample was too concentrated or dilute to interpret accurately.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is analyzed to determine the amounts of cobalt and creatinine. The laboratory then calculates the cobalt-to-creatinine ratio. The results are interpreted along with exposure history, workplace information, symptoms, and other relevant tests.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory or your clinician. Collect urine in the specified container and at the specified time, and tell the healthcare team about any recent workplace, environmental, medication, or supplement exposure that could affect the result.

Reference range

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

Specimen: urine

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

Urine cobalt/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the cobalt/creatinine ratio show?
It shows the amount of cobalt in urine relative to creatinine, which helps account for variation in urine concentration.
Does an abnormal result confirm cobalt poisoning?
No. An elevated result may suggest exposure but does not by itself establish poisoning or the cause of a person's symptoms.
Can recent exposure affect the result?
Yes. Cobalt from a recent workplace, environmental, medical, or supplement exposure can be detected in urine. The timing of collection is therefore important.
  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