Manganese concentration in blood
This test measures the amount of manganese, a metal found in small amounts in the body, present in your blood. Manganese is important for healthy bones, metabolism, and brain function, but high levels can pose risks.
["Understanding your manganese blood level helps assess potential exposure risks or metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25466-4
- Short code
- Manganese Bld-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Manganese Bld-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, nerve damage, or breathing difficulties, or if you’ve been exposed to manganese from occupational hazards (e.g., mining, welding) or environmental sources (e.g., contaminated water). They may also order it to monitor long-term health if you have conditions like liver disease or kidney problems.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab uses fasting samples. Bring any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they could affect results.
What the Test Involves
A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab to measure manganese concentration using a specialized analytical method, often high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration value (e.g., micrograms per deciliter). Your provider will compare this to your individual reference range and clinical picture to determine if levels are low, normal, or elevated. High levels may signal exposure or metabolic issues.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Low manganese levels are rare but may occur with certain genetic disorders or malabsorption issues. High manganese levels can damage nerves, liver, or kidneys, especially in people with preexisting conditions. Chronic exposure (e.g., occupational or environmental) is the most common cause of elevated results.
Short name
Manganese Blood Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes manganese levels to be high?
What symptoms might I experience if manganese levels are high?
How is manganese exposure usually detected?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy