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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Chromium- Urine

Alias or Abbreviation:Urine Cr, urine chromium to creatinine ratio

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: On scope

Intro:

Chromium occurs in nature almost entirely in the trivalent form, Cr (III), which is considered to have an essential role as a component of a glucose tolerance factor required to potentiate insulin action. Hexavalent chromium, Cr (VI), is present in the environment largely due to industrial activity and is thought to be more toxic than the trivalent form. Acute and chronic exposure to chromium containing industrial formulations may cause allergic reactions and both corrosive damage to mucus membranes and skin (chrome ulcers). Increased incidence of malignancy of respiratory organs and gastrointestinal tumours is of serious concern amongst workers with long term inhalation exposure to chromium dust or fumes.
Measurement of chromium in urine is the investigation of choice for the monitoring of occupational exposure.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory

Requestable Seperately?Yes

Units:nmol/mmol creatinine

Minimum Sample Volume: 2 mL urine

Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.

Test Code:UCR

Sample Type:

Spot urine collected into a plain white -top universal container

Complex Reference Range:Urine chromium: < 2 nmol/mmol creatinine

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,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon, B71 4HJ

NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes

EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS for Trace Elements

Further information:For occupational monitoring, a spot urine collected end of shift, end of working week is recommended.
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