Pathology Handbook

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Chromium Plasma

Alternative Names:

Plasma Chromium

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

CRPL

Specimen Types:

Plasma

Container Types:

Metal-Free EDTA

Collection & Request Instructions:

For monitoring occupational exposure not nutritional deficiency.

To limit the possibility of contamination, the first collected tube should not be used for Chromium. If no other tubes need to be collected please collect 2 tubes and discard first collected. High concentrations of Gadolinium and Iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests. If either Gadolinium- or Iodine- containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for at least 96 hours.

This collection can be shared with Cobalt.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Assay Frequency:

Weekly

Additional Notes:

Plasma Chromium Reference Interval:

<26 nmol/L

Prosthesis wear is known to result in increased circulating concentration of metal ions. Modest increase (6 - 12 nmol/L) in serum Cr concentration is likely to be associated with a prosthetic device in good condition. Serum concentrations >19 nmol/L in a patient with Cr-based implant suggest significant prosthesis wear. Increased serum trace element concentrations in the absence of corroborating clinical information do not independently predict prosthesis wear or failure. (Source: Mayo Clinic, accessed 22/9/15)