Bismuth, Whole Blood

CPT: 83018
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Expected Turnaround Time

3 - 4 days


Related Information


Related Documents


Specimen Requirements


Specimen

Whole blood


Volume

7 mL


Minimum Volume

1.1 mL


Container

Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube; submit original tube.


Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature.


Stability Requirements

Temperature

Period

Room temperature

14 days

Refrigerated

14 days

Frozen

14 days

Freeze/thaw cycles

Stable x3


Causes for Rejection

Clotted specimen


Test Details


Use

Monitor exposure to bismuth


Limitations

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.


Methodology

Inductively-coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS)


Reference Interval

Normal: <10 μg/L


Additional Information

Bismuth poisoning through acute exposure is generally associated with the ingestion of soluble bismuth compounds as encountered in the therapeutic application of bismuth. Symptoms of acute poisoning often begin with foul breath and stomatitis and may progress to malaise, nausea, weight loss, and depression. Chronic bismuth exposure, which is typically attributed to inhalation, was generally evidenced by “tellurium breath,” but no adverse health effects were noted.1

Bismuth is employed in the production of low-melting alloys. It is also added to steel and iron to produce castings that are more easily machined. Bismuth is widely employed in the manufacture of ceramics and glass. The primary US source of bismuth is as a byproduct of the refining of lead and copper ores. Bismuth applications outside of industry include certain over-the-counter drugs intended as aids for gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as the pearlescent white coloring matter used in some lipsticks, powders, and fingernail enamels.


Footnotes

1. Carson BL, Ellis HV III, McCann JL. Toxicology and Biological Monitoring of Metals in Humans: Including Feasibility and Need. Chelsea, MI: Lewis Publishers;1986.

LOINC® Map

Order Code Order Code Name Order Loinc Result Code Result Code Name UofM Result LOINC
706515 Bismuth, Blood 8161-2 706515 Bismuth, Blood ug/L 8161-2

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