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HelpTest Code COUO Cobalt Occupational Exposure, Random, Urine
Ordering Guidance
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Urine Tubes, 10 mL (T068)
Collection Container/Tube: Clean, plastic urine collection container
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic 10 mL urine tube or a clean, plastic aliquot container with no metal cap or glued insert
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. At the end of the work week, collect a random urine specimen at the end of the employee's work shift.
2. See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions.
Useful For
Screening for occupational exposure to cobalt
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRETR | Creatinine, Random, U | No | Yes |
| COUOE | Cobalt Occupational Exposure, U | No | Yes |
Special Instructions
Method Name
CRETR: Enzymatic Colorimetric Assay
COUOE: Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Reporting Name
Cobalt Occupat Exp, Random, USpecimen Type
UrineSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urine | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 14 days |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Cobalt is rare but widely distributed in the environment. It is an essential cofactor in vitamin B12. While cobalt is an essential element, cobalt deficiency has not been reported in humans.
Cobalt is used in the manufacture of hard alloys with high melting points and resistance to oxidation. Cobalt salts are also used in the glass and pigment industry. Previously, cobalt salts were sometimes used as foam stabilizers in the brewing industry; this practice was banned due to the cardiovascular diseases it induced. The radioactive isotope of cobalt, (60)Co, is used as a gamma emitter in experimental biology, cancer therapy, and industrial radiography.
Cobalt is not highly toxic, but large doses will produce adverse clinical manifestations. Acute symptoms are pulmonary edema, allergy, nausea, vomiting, hemorrhage, and kidney failure. Chronic symptoms include pulmonary syndrome, skin disorders, and thyroid abnormalities. The inhalation of dust during machining of cobalt alloyed metals can lead to interstitial lung disease. Improperly handled (60)Co can cause radiation poisoning from exposure to gamma radiation.
Reference Values
COBALT:
0-17 years: Not established
≥18 years: The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists Biological Exposure Index for cobalt in urine is an end-of-shift concentration above14.9 mcg/L at the end of the work week.
CREATININE:
≥18 years old: 16-326 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients who are younger than 18 years of age.
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83018
82570
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday