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Test Code MOWB Molybdenum, Blood

Useful For

Determining molybdenum toxicity

Method Name

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Reporting Name

Molybdenum, B

Specimen Type

Whole blood


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to potentially interfere with most inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry-based metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.

Supplies: Metal Free B-D Tube (EDTA), 6 mL (T183)

Collection Container/Tube: Royal blue top (EDTA) plastic trace element blood collection tube

Specimen Volume: 0.8 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions.

2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole blood Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Ambient  28 days
  Frozen  28 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Clinical Information

Molybdenum is an essential trace element and a component of metalloflavoproteins. High concentrations are found in leafy vegetables and legumes. The recommended daily dietary allowance for molybdenum is 45 mcg for adults.(1)

 

As an industrial metal, molybdenum is used in the manufacturing of steel alloys, lubricants, or pigments. Occupational exposure is generally from inhalation of dusts or fumes. The current threshold limit is 0.5 mg/m(2) for soluble compounds and 3 mg/m(2) (respirable fraction) for the metal and its insoluble compounds.(1)

 

Oral absorption varies from 28% to 77%. Whole blood concentrations averaged 0.43 mcg/L (range 0.6-4.0 mcg/L) in unexposed individuals.(2) However, exposed adults averaged 2.7 mcg/L (range 1.2-4.8 mcg/L).(3) Once absorbed, molybdenum is primarily eliminated in the urine over 5 or more days.(4)

 

Molybdenum deficiency can cause irritability, altered levels of consciousness, and a variety of biochemical abnormalities.(5) Toxicity can range from auditory and visual hallucinations, diarrhea, insomnia, painful extremities, and seizures.(6)

 

Whole blood molybdenum concentrations are likely to be increased above the reference range in patients with metallic joint prosthesis.

Reference Values

<4 ng/mL (unexposed)

<5 ng/mL (exposed)

Interpretation

Normal blood concentrations are 0.6-4.0 ng/mL in unexposed individuals and 1.2-4.8 ng/mL in exposed individuals.(4)

Cautions

To avoid contamination during specimen collection, it is essential to follow collection procedures as outlined in Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport.

Day(s) Performed

Wednesday

Report Available

1 to 8 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83018

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
MOWB Molybdenum, B 5696-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
64272 Molybdenum, B 5696-0