Cobalt details
What Cobalt shows
Cobalt is a metal that the body needs in tiny amounts as part of vitamin B12, but in larger amounts it can be harmful to the heart, nerves, thyroid and other organs. This test measures cobalt in your whole blood. It is mainly used to monitor people with metal-on-metal hip or other joint implants, which can release cobalt and chromium as they wear, and to check for exposure in industries such as hard-metal production. A higher result points to increased exposure or implant wear. Results are interpreted with your symptoms, any implants, work history, other metals such as chromium, and imaging of the implant where relevant.
Tests that include Cobalt
Cobalt is a mineral that's part of our diet. It's mostly removed from our body through urine, with a small amount leaving through stool. While cobalt is necessary, too much can be harmful, especially in certain work environments. Since cobalt isn't mined in the U.S., it's usually brought in from other countries.
- Cobalt Measures cobalt, a metal, in your blood, mainly to check for exposure at work or from wear of metal-on-metal joint implants.
This panel evaluates the levels of arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, lead, and mercury in the blood.
- Arsenic Measures the level of arsenic, a toxic heavy metal, in your blood or urine. Used to assess exposure from contaminated water, food, or environmental sources.
- Mercury Measures mercury levels in your blood, used to assess exposure to this toxic heavy metal, often from certain fish or environmental sources.
- Cadmium Measures cadmium, a toxic metal, in your blood to check for recent or ongoing exposure, such as from smoking or certain workplaces.
- Cobalt Measures cobalt, a metal, in your blood, mainly to check for exposure at work or from wear of metal-on-metal joint implants.
- Lead (Venous) Measures lead levels in your blood, used to assess exposure to this toxic heavy metal.
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