Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

4 mL whole blood; minimum 2 mL

Avoid worksite collection. To avoid contamination, use powderless gloves. Do not aliquot specimens.

Patient should refrain from taking mineral supplements, vitamin B12 or vitamin B complex three days before specimen collection.

Do not aliquot specimens.

Refrigerated (cold packs).

Room temperature: 48 hours. Refrigerated: 5 days. Frozen: Unacceptable.

Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a nontrace element tube or nonacid-washed/nonmetal-free container may not accurately reflect the patient's level. If a nontrace element tube/container is received, it will be accepted for testing; however, elevated results are reported with the message that resubmission with a trace element tube/container is recommended.

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes

Quest test code 35417; Cobalt, Bloo

Cobalt is part of our diet. Approximately 85% of absorbed cobalt is excreted in the urine and the remainder eliminated in stool. Toxicity may occur in select industrial environments. Cobalt is not mined in the United States so primary supplies are imported.