Aluminum, Blood (Referred Out) - Saskatoon
Discipline
Biochemistry
Overview
Description
Ordering Recommendation
If gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media have been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 48 hours. High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most trace element tests
Patients should discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, and minerals for at least 3 days.
- Patients should also avoid antacids containing aluminum which can greatly elevate the aluminum output.
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Plasma
Specimen collection container
- Preferred collection container: Royal Blue (K2EDTA) 6.0 mL
Collection procedure
- Centrifuge and separate plasma from red blood cells within 24 hours of collection
Required volume
- Optimal volume: 6 mL full collection tube
- Minimum volume: 2 mL
Transport and stability
- Store and ship frozen
Rejection criteria
- Specimens received where the proper collection protocols were not followed
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Acceptance and Rejection Criteria
Testing Information
Clinical interpretation
- Result interpretation should be correlated with clinical and other laboratory findings
Performance
Days/times performed
| Availability |
|
| Testing site |
|
Maximum laboratory time
Results Reporting
- 7 day turn around time once received at testing laboratory
- Shipped overnight Mondays and Wednesdays
Other information
Additional Comments
Used to monitor aluminum exposure in dialysis patients.
- Used in the assessment of prior and ongoing aluminum exposure including: infants on parenteral fluids; burn patients on intravenous albumin; adult and pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease; patients on parenteral nutrition; and workers with industrial exposure; monitoring wear of metallic prosthetic implants.
Last Updated: January 7, 2026