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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Barium- Blood

Alias or Abbreviation:Ba

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: On scope

Intro:

Barium is a non-essential element, used in the production of fluorescent lamps, fireworks, paint, glass, rubber, bricks and drilling fluid also known as “drilling mud”.
Insoluble barium sulphate is used medically as a diagnostic radio-opaque contrast medium during x-rays. Serious toxicity characterised by stomach irritation, cardiac arrhythmias, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis may arise following the ingestion of soluble barium salts. Barium is thought to block potassium ion channels leading to persistent hypokalaemia.
Occupational exposure may occur by inhalation of dust arising from barium ores. Accumulation of the dust in the lungs may manifest as baritosis, a benign pneumoconiosis.
Measurement of barium in blood, plasma or serum appears to be the most appropriate approach in investigating acute exposure. Occupational exposure is typically monitored by urine analysis.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Metals Laboratory

Requestable Seperately?Yes

Units:nmol/L

Minimum Sample Volume:500 µL whole blood

Expected Turnaround Time:14 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.

Test Code:BA

Sample Type:

Preferred: Trace element free EDTA or sodium heparin whole blood
Accepted: EDTA whole blood if contamination testing has confirmed that the tube lot being used is barium-free.

Complex Reference Range:Less than 10 nmol/L

Referred to Another Laboratory?No

Storage Requirements:Store at 4 °C prior to dispatch

Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st class post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon, B71 4HJ

NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes

EQA Scheme: QUEBEC Multielement External Quality Assessment Scheme (QMEQAS)

Further information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.

Lead Contact Details:Dr Nicola Barlow, Consultant Clinical Scientist,
SAS Director Trace Elements Laboratory
Email: nicola.barlow1@nhs.net

Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net

Methodology:Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus

Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details

Contact Number:Tel: 0121 507 5162