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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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COBALT, SERUM/PLASMA

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2042    Geisinger Epic ID:  46468

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Trace-metal-free serum or plasma


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

0.5 mL serum or plasma in metal-free tube


Special notes: 

Collect in a dark/royal blue-top (no additive) tube for serum or a dark/royal blue-top (EDTA) tube for plasma. Then pour into a trace metal-free plastic vial.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge and aliquot into a trace-metal-free plastic vial.


Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated (cold packs).


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 10 days. Refrigerated: 10 days. Frozen: 10 days.


Rejection criteria: 

Specimen not submitted in metal-free plastic vial.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s):  83018
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 345, COBALT


Clinical significance: 

Cobalt is essential for humans only as an integral part of Vitamin B12 (cobalamin). No other function for cobalt in the human body is known. This provides for normal reference ranges. Cobalt is found in metal alloys that are very hard, have high melting points, and are resistant to oxidation. Occupational exposure occurs during the production and machining of these metal alloys and has led to acute and chronic medical conditions.


Review Date:  12/05/2024

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