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
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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 9, 2026