Cobalt

A Cobalt test measures the cobalt levels in the blood through an inductively coupled mass spectrometry method. Cobalt is a component of vitamin B12 and is essential for brain and neurological function and blood formation. However, excess levels or low levels of Cobalt can harm our bodies. Cobalt toxicity can cause nausea, vomiting, hemorrhage, vision and hearing impairment, shortness of breath, lung disease, and hypothyroidism. It is caused by the wearing of the metal in hip and knee implants and also industrial pollution. Cobalt deficiency leads to numbness, fatigue, and tingling of hands and feet.

It is a blood test that does not require fasting. It takes 2 - 4 days to get the results of this blood test. Vitamin B12 supplements should not be taken 72 hours before the test.