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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Strontium (Blood)

Alias or Abbreviation:Sr

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: on scope

Intro:

Strontium, is used in the production of pottery glazes, fireworks, ferrite ceramic magnets, fluorescent lights, glass and toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
As a micronutrient, it is consumed through various sources of food, including root vegetables, seafood and water. The element is incorporated into the bone due to its chemical similarity to calcium, hence, strontium is deposited predominantly in bones (femur, lumbar spine and iliac bone).
Stable isotopes do not pose a significant health risk. Strontium-90, a by-product of nuclear explosions, is used medically for cancer therapy and as a radioactive tracer. Strontium-89 is used as a radioactive drug to target bone metastases and reduce the associated bone pain.
High levels of radioactive strontium can destroy bone marrow and cause cancer. Strontium ranelate (Protelos) is a licensed drug used for osteoporosis, which increases bone density through its stimulatory effect on osteoblasts thereby increasing bone formation.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Metals Lab

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:SR

Sample Type:

Preferred: Trace element free EDTA or sodium heparin whole blood
Accepted: EDTA whole blood

Complex Reference Range: 90 to 400 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