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Cobalt, Urine — Substance Concentration

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A urine test that measures the amount of cobalt in your body. It may be used with an exposure history to assess recent or ongoing exposure.

Quick summary

["The result can help determine whether recent cobalt exposure is causing elevated urinary cobalt levels."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
34268-3
Short code
Cobalt Ur-sCnc
Synonyms
Cobalt Ur-sCnc
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 concentration of cobalt in a urine sample. Urine testing can help assess exposure to cobalt from sources such as certain industrial processes, contaminated products, supplements, or implanted medical devices.

Why might I need this test?

Your clinician may order this test if your job, environment, medications, supplements, or medical devices could involve cobalt exposure. It may be used to investigate possible metal exposure or to follow an exposure-related concern.

How is the test performed?

You provide a urine sample in a clean, laboratory-approved container. The laboratory analyzes the sample and reports the cobalt concentration, sometimes comparing it with another urine measurement to account for dilution.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician or laboratory's collection instructions. Tell the laboratory about occupational exposure, recent supplements, medications, or medical implants that may contain cobalt, because these can affect interpretation.

Reference range

Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine Cobalt

Frequently asked questions

What does a urine cobalt test measure?
It measures the concentration of cobalt in urine. Depending on the laboratory's method, the result may be reported as a mass concentration or another standardized concentration unit.
Can supplements affect the result?
Yes. Some supplements may contain cobalt or other minerals that can increase urinary cobalt. Tell your clinician and laboratory about all supplements and medications you take.
Does one result show that I have cobalt poisoning?
No. A single result should be interpreted with the timing and amount of exposure, symptoms, urine dilution, and other tests. Your clinician can explain whether follow-up testing is needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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