Cobalt, 24-Hour Urine — Estimated Intake
Measures cobalt collected in urine over 24 hours to help estimate recent cobalt exposure from diet, supplements, medications, or occupational sources.
["This test estimates recent cobalt exposure by measuring how much cobalt your body excretes in urine over 24 hours."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81127-3
- Short code
- Cobalt intake 24h Est
- Synonyms
- Cobalt intake 24h Est
- 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
- Method
- estimated
- 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 excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. The result may be used to estimate recent cobalt intake or exposure, including exposure related to diet, supplements, medicines, or workplace contact.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test if you have recently been exposed to cobalt, work with cobalt-containing materials, or take a supplement that may contain cobalt. It can also help assess whether an unexplained exposure is contributing to symptoms.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine produced during a full 24-hour period in a specially provided container. The laboratory measures the total cobalt in the collected sample and may use it to estimate your cobalt intake.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about cobalt-rich foods, supplements, and medicines. Keep collecting urine for the complete 24 hours, and note the date and time the collection began. If the collection is incomplete or the timing is wrong, the result may be unreliable.
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 result may indicate that you have recently absorbed more cobalt than expected from food, supplements, medication, or environmental exposure. A lower result generally reflects less recent cobalt exposure. Urinary cobalt shows recent exposure rather than the total amount stored in the body, so results should be interpreted with your exposure history and symptoms.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Cobalt
Frequently asked questions
Does a 24-hour urine test show how much cobalt is in my body?
What can raise my urinary cobalt level?
What if I miss part of the 24-hour urine collection?
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