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Lanthanum, Plasma or Serum, Qualitative or Unspecified Measurement

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of lanthanum in a sample of your blood, usually to check levels during or after treatment with a lanthanum-based medicine.

Quick summary

["Lanthanum testing helps confirm whether this metal used in some phosphate-binding medicines is present at expected levels in your blood."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
3283-9
Short code
LA Nt HPL PPP
Synonyms
LA Nt HPL PPP
Category
chemistry
Sample
plasma
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) or Green-top (Heparin)
Units
N/A
Fasting
true
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
coag
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 Lanthanum?

Lanthanum is a naturally occurring metal element. In medicine it is used mainly as lanthanum carbonate, a phosphate binder given to people with kidney disease to lower the amount of phosphate absorbed from food.

Why the Test Is Done

Doctors order this test to check exposure to lanthanum or to monitor people taking lanthanum-based medicines. Very little lanthanum is normally absorbed into the blood, so the test helps confirm levels stay low.

How the Sample Is Collected

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, typically into a tube. The slug suggests plasma or serum may be used, so follow your lab's collection instructions. No special preparation is usually needed unless your care team says otherwise.

What Results Mean

Results are interpreted alongside your kidney function, medicines, and symptoms. Because reference ranges vary by laboratory and method, your care team will explain what your specific value means. This page does not provide numeric ranges.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Lanthanum is a metal used therapeutically as a phosphate binder. Measuring lanthanum in plasma or serum can help assess absorption or exposure, especially in patients with chronic kidney disease. Interpretation should always be done by a clinician familiar with your history and the testing laboratory's methods.

Short name

Lanthanum

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before a lanthanum blood test?
Usually no fasting is required, but follow any specific instructions from your doctor or laboratory, since preparation can depend on the facility.
Is lanthanum harmful if it appears in my blood?
Only a small amount of lanthanum is normally absorbed. Whether a level is concerning depends on the result and your health, so discuss it with your care team rather than worrying based on the number alone.
Can I take my lanthanum medicine before the test?
Take your medicines as directed unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Timing can affect results, so ask your care team whether to take your dose before or after the blood draw.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy