Cobalt, Serum or Plasma

Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including the use of a noncertified metal-free collection/transport tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of serum/plasma cobalt, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a certified metal-free tube is recommended.

Serum cobalt levels can be used in the assessment of occupational exposure or toxic ingestion. Symptoms associated with cobalt toxicity vary based on route of exposure, and may include cardiomyopathy, allergic dermatitis, pulmonary fibrosis, cough, and dyspnea.

Serum cobalt levels can be significantly higher in patients with metal-on-metal total hip replacement implants than in control patients without metal implants. Serum cobalt levels may be increased in asymptomatic patients with metal-on-metal prosthetics and should be considered in the context of the overall clinical scenario. Whole blood is the specimen type recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for assessing the risks of metal-on-metal hip implants in symptomatic patients. 

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.