Cobalt, Hair — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of cobalt in a hair sample. It may be used alongside an exposure history to assess long-term cobalt exposure.
["A hair cobalt result can help evaluate possible cobalt exposure, but it must be interpreted with occupational history and other clinical findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5626-7
- Short code
- Cobalt Hair-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Cobalt Hair-mCnt
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- 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
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of cobalt present in a sample of hair. Hair testing may be used when a clinician is evaluating possible exposure to cobalt, particularly in people who work with metals or metal-containing products.
Why might I need this test?
You may need this test if you have a work-related or environmental exposure to cobalt, unexplained symptoms, or an abnormal result from another test suggesting metal exposure. The result is most useful when combined with details about your occupation, exposures, symptoms, and medical history.
How is the test performed?
A small sample of hair is collected and analyzed to determine its cobalt content. The laboratory may wash or prepare the hair before analysis according to its validated procedure, and the sample is then measured using instrumental analysis.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions exactly. Depending on the laboratory's procedure, you may be asked to avoid shampooing or other hair treatments for a period before collection, or to wash your hair before the appointment. Do not stop any medications unless your clinician advises you to do so.
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.
An elevated hair cobalt level may indicate increased exposure to cobalt from work, environmental sources, contaminated products, or certain medical devices. A result can be affected by external contamination, hair treatments, and laboratory methods, so it should not be interpreted in isolation. A clinician can compare the result with your exposure history, symptoms, and other appropriate tests.
Short name
Hair cobalt test
Frequently asked questions
Does a hair cobalt test diagnose cobalt poisoning?
Can hair treatments affect the result?
Why is my result being compared with workplace exposure information?
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