Aluminum

Clinical Significance

Individuals undergoing hemodialysis are at risk for aluminum toxicity. Prolonged accumulation may cause anemia, encephalopathy and vitamin D-resistant osteomalacia. Also, workers exposed to high levels or to long-term low levels of aluminum dust are at increased risk of toxicity.

Specimen Overview

Specimen must be transported to Quest in an acid-washed or metal-free vial.

Reference Range:

Serum/Plasma < 7 mcg/L

Dialysis Patient <40 mcg/L

Methodology:

• Inductively Coupled Plasma / Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Clinical Significance

Individuals undergoing hemodialysis are at risk for aluminum toxicity. Prolonged accumulation may cause anemia, encephalopathy and vitamin D-resistant osteomalacia. Also, workers exposed to high levels or to long-term low levels of aluminum dust are at increased risk of toxicity.

Documentation

This measure is very sensitive to aluminum containing medications, e.g., aluminum-containing antacids, and may continue to test as elevated for a prolonged period of time after the medication is stopped.

CDM

00913333

CPT Coding

82108