Cobalt, Urine — Mass Concentration
A urine test that measures the amount of cobalt in the body. It is most often used to assess exposure to cobalt in workplace or environmental settings.
["An elevated urine cobalt level can suggest recent exposure, but the result must be interpreted with your exposure history and other clinical findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 5628-3
- Short code
- Cobalt Ur-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Cobalt Ur-mCnc
- 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?
A urine cobalt test measures the concentration of cobalt in a urine sample. It is most commonly used for people who may be exposed to cobalt through work, hobbies, medical devices, or other products.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered to check for excessive exposure to cobalt, especially in workers handling metal products, batteries, alloys, or catalysts. It may also be used to follow an existing exposure or investigate symptoms that could be related to a metal exposure.
How is the test performed?
You provide a urine sample, which the laboratory analyzes to determine the cobalt concentration. Your clinician or testing facility will give you specific collection instructions, including whether a single sample or a timed collection is needed.
How do I prepare for the test?
Fasting is generally not required for this test. Follow the collection instructions exactly, use the provided sterile container, and avoid outside contamination. Your employer or clinician may also specify when the sample should be collected in relation to work shifts or known exposure.
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 urine cobalt level may indicate recent absorption of cobalt, such as from occupational exposure, and should be interpreted with your exposure history and symptoms. Very high levels can sometimes be associated with cobalt toxicity, but a urine result alone does not establish that harm has occurred. Results can also vary with collection timing, urine dilution, contamination, and the laboratory method used.
Short name
Urinary Cobalt
Frequently asked questions
What does a high urine cobalt level mean?
Does an elevated result mean I have cobalt poisoning?
Can diet or supplements affect the result?
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