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Cobalt, Cerebrospinal Fluid — Mass Concentration

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

Measures the amount of cobalt in cerebrospinal fluid to help evaluate trace-element exposure or possible toxicity.

Quick summary

["An elevated cobalt level may indicate exposure, but results must be interpreted with symptoms, history, and other tests."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
57944-1
Short code
Cobalt CSF-mCnc
Synonyms
Cobalt CSF-mCnc
Category
liver
Sample
csf
Container
Sterile tube
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
1-2 mL
Stability
Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
Hemolysis max
200
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test measures the concentration of cobalt in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Cobalt is a trace element that may enter the body through food, supplements, environmental exposure, or certain industrial materials.

Why might I need this test?

A cerebrospinal fluid cobalt test may be ordered when cobalt exposure or toxicity is suspected, particularly in someone with occupational or environmental exposure and unexplained neurological symptoms. The result is usually interpreted together with blood or urine cobalt tests and the clinical history.

How is the test performed?

Cerebrospinal fluid is usually collected by lumbar puncture, in which a small amount of fluid is removed from the space around the lower spinal cord. The laboratory then measures its cobalt concentration using a validated analytical method.

How do I prepare for the test?

Tell your clinician about any cobalt supplements, medications, occupational exposure, or recent use of metal-containing products. Follow the facility's instructions for lumbar puncture preparation, and ask whether any medications should be held before the procedure.

Reference range

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

Specimen: csf

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 in CSF

Frequently asked questions

What does a cerebrospinal fluid cobalt test measure?
It measures the amount of cobalt in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The result is reported as a mass concentration.
What can cause an elevated cobalt level?
Possible causes include occupational or environmental exposure, cobalt-containing supplements, certain medical devices or materials, and specimen contamination. The clinical context helps determine whether the result is meaningful.
Is this the same as a blood or urine cobalt test?
No. A cerebrospinal fluid test measures cobalt in spinal fluid, while blood and urine tests reflect different aspects of exposure. These results may be interpreted together.
  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