Cobalt, Tissue — Substance Concentration
Measures the amount of cobalt in a tissue sample to help assess trace-element exposure, deficiency, or possible effects of medical implants.
["Tissue cobalt testing can help identify unusually high or low cobalt levels, but interpretation depends on the tissue type and clinical circumstances."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50846-5
- Short code
- Cobalt Tiss-sCnt
- Synonyms
- Cobalt Tiss-sCnt
- 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 in tissue. Cobalt is a trace element needed in small amounts for normal body function, but excessive exposure can be harmful.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test when there is concern about occupational or environmental cobalt exposure, persistent symptoms that could be related to excess cobalt, or possible cobalt release from a medical implant. It may also be used in selected cases to assess trace-element status.
How is the test performed?
A tissue specimen obtained by a clinician is sent to a laboratory. The laboratory measures its cobalt content using a validated analytical method, such as mass spectrometry, and reports the concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is generally required beyond following the instructions for the tissue sampling procedure. Tell your clinician about metal implants, occupational exposures, supplements, and other metal exposures because they may 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.
An elevated tissue cobalt level may indicate excessive exposure or corrosion of a cobalt-containing medical device, although the cause must be interpreted alongside symptoms and exposure history. A low level may suggest inadequate trace-element intake, but tissue levels can vary with the type of tissue sampled, so results should not be interpreted in isolation.
Short name
Tissue Cobalt
Frequently asked questions
Is a tissue cobalt test the same as a blood cobalt test?
What could cause an elevated tissue cobalt level?
Does this test diagnose cobalt poisoning by itself?
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