Cobalt, Serum/Plasma — Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of cobalt in serum or plasma to help evaluate recent exposure, supplementation, or possible metal toxicity.
["An elevated cobalt level may indicate exposure to excess cobalt, but results must be interpreted with your medical and exposure history."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5627-5
- Short code
- Cobalt SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cobalt SerPl-mCnc
- 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 concentration of cobalt, a trace element found in the body, in a blood sample. Serum or plasma may be tested, depending on the laboratory.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be ordered for someone with workplace exposure to metals, recent joint replacement or other medical implants, or use of cobalt-containing supplements. It can also be part of an evaluation for suspected metal exposure or toxicity.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and analyzed using a laboratory method designed to measure trace amounts of cobalt. The laboratory may use serum or plasma and will report the result as a mass concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is usually not required, but follow the instructions provided by the laboratory or clinician. Tell the care team about cobalt supplements, occupational exposure, recent metal implants, and any other metal supplements you take. Do not stop prescribed treatments 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.
A higher-than-expected cobalt level may indicate recent exposure from work, supplements, medical devices, or another source. Low levels are uncommon and generally have less clinical importance. Results should be interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, and the laboratory's reference interval because testing can be affected by collection contamination or supplements.
Short name
Cobalt (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high cobalt level mean?
Do I need to stop taking supplements before the test?
Can I have this test with other blood tests?
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