Cobalt, Serum/Plasma — Turbidimetry
A blood test that measures cobalt in serum or plasma to help assess exposure to this metal and evaluate possible effects of occupational contact, supplements, or medical implants.
["An unexpectedly high cobalt level may signal recent metal exposure or wear of a cobalt-containing medical implant."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111165-7
- Short code
- Cobalt Msmt Ur
- Synonyms
- Cobalt 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, a trace metal, in a blood sample after the liquid portion of the blood has been separated. Serum or plasma may be used, depending on the laboratory.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered to assess exposure related to metal work, industrial dust, contaminated products, or cobalt-containing supplements. It may also be used when symptoms suggest excessive exposure or when a clinician is evaluating a patient with a metal-containing medical implant.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected by venipuncture, and the serum or plasma is analyzed using a turbidimetric laboratory method. This method detects changes in light transmission caused by particles or reaction products in the sample.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions provided by the laboratory. Tell your clinician about possible occupational exposure, supplements containing cobalt, recent metal exposure, or a cobalt-containing implant, because these factors can affect interpretation.
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-than-expected cobalt level may reflect recent occupational or environmental exposure, intake of cobalt-containing supplements, or release of metal from an implant. Low levels are generally less concerning. Results should be interpreted with exposure history, symptoms, implant information, and the laboratory's reference interval.
Short name
Cobalt, Serum/Plasma
Frequently asked questions
What does a high cobalt level mean?
Is fasting required for a cobalt blood test?
Does this test check for toxicity from a joint or implant?
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