Proper Measuring of Cobalt and Chromium Blood Levels

As the issue of cobalt and chromium blood levels becomes more pressing, one question that arises is how to properly collect blood samples to gain an accurate measure of blood metal content. This process is called "trace metal analysis," and how it is conducted can affect the results of the blood test.

Can Cobalt or Chromium Levels be Affected by How the Blood is Collected?

The collection of blood specimen is highly susceptible to environmental contamination, so appropriate procedures should be followed when conducting a blood draw and analysis. A standardized protocol should be followed and the phlebotomist, or person drawing the blood, must be aware of what the sample is going to be used for.

Regular blood collection tubes are grossly contaminated with trace metals, including cobalt and chromium. The stoppers on the tops of the Vacutainer tubes contain pigments that contain both cobalt and chromium. There are, however, what are called trace-metal-free tubes that should be used when drawing blood for the purpose of metal analysis.

Additionally, once the blood is drawn it should go to a laboratory that is certified and has standardized protocols for measuring low levels of cobalt and chromium ions, in a trace metal free environment.

For more information on trace metal analysis, watch the video in the upper right hand corner of this page. For more videos of our expert metal toxicologist, and to read more about the effects of cobalt and chromium ions in the human body, visit www.cobalt-chromium-toxicity.com

Contact an Experienced Medical Device Lawyer

If you have been implanted with a metal-on-metal hip implant, such as the DePuy ASR hip device, and are concerned about elevated levels of cobalt or chromium in your blood, you may be entitled to compensation from the device manufacturer for any future problems the implant may cause. Contact our medical device lawyers for a free and confidential case evaluation by filling out the contact form on this page or calling 888-285-3333.

 
Trace Metal Analysis in Blood Draws
For more information on cobalt & chromium toxicity, visit our new website that features in-depth interviews with renown metal toxicology expert: www.cobalt-chromium-toxicity.com
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