Cobalt, 24-Hour Urine, Quantitative
Measures cobalt in urine collected over 24 hours to help evaluate recent exposure to cobalt from occupational sources, supplements, or other sources.
["This test can help identify elevated cobalt exposure, but results should be interpreted with your exposure history and medical context."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81126-5
- Short code
- Cobalt intake 24h Measured
- Synonyms
- Cobalt intake 24h Measured
- 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
- measured
- 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 eliminated in your urine during a 24-hour collection. It is used mainly to assess recent exposure to cobalt.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order it if you work with cobalt-containing materials, take cobalt supplements, have a possible exposure, or have symptoms that could be related to toxic exposure.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine into a special container for exactly 24 hours. The laboratory measures the total cobalt amount and accounts for the collection volume and time.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your clinician's instructions about supplements, medications, and any possible cobalt exposure before collection. Record relevant occupational or environmental exposures and be sure to complete the full 24-hour collection.
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 result may indicate recent exposure to cobalt, such as from industrial work, certain supplements, medical devices, or other sources. Urine cobalt generally reflects recent exposure and may be affected by the timing and completeness of collection. Your clinician will interpret the result using your history, symptoms, and other tests rather than a single value alone.
Short name
24-Hour Urine Cobalt
Frequently asked questions
What does a urine cobalt test measure?
What can cause high urine cobalt levels?
Does this test show long-term cobalt exposure?
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