Antimony, Blood

Elevated results may be due to skin- or collection device-related contamination. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of blood antimony, confirmation should be performed with a second specimen collected in the recommended collection device.

Blood antimony levels predominantly reflect recent exposure and are most useful in the diagnosis of acute poisoning. Blood concentrations in unexposed individuals rarely exceed 3 µg/L. The form of antimony greatly influences distribution and elimination. Trivalent antimony readily enters red blood cells, has an extended half-life on the order of weeks to months, and is eliminated predominantly through the bile. Pentavalent antimony resides in the plasma, has a relatively short half-life on the order of hours to days, and is eliminated predominantly through the kidneys. Reported symptoms after toxic antimony exposure vary based upon route of exposure, duration, and antimony source and may include abdominal pain, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, dermatitis, and eye irritation. Clinical presentation is similar to that of inorganic arsenic exposure.
 
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.