What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, nerve tingling, hearing or vision changes, or heart palpitations that could be linked to metal exposure. It's also useful if you have a cobalt-containing hip or joint implant and want to check whether metal is building up in your blood. People who work around industrial metals, paints, or batteries also use this test to check their exposure levels.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your cobalt level clearly marked against the normal range so you know exactly where you stand. If your level is elevated, simple next steps include reducing contact with the exposure source, and retesting in a few weeks to see if the level is dropping. A downloadable lab report is available in your account any time, and you can use the trends feature to track your cobalt levels over multiple tests to see changes over time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a cobalt-containing joint replacement, especially a hip implant, should consider periodic testing to catch problems early. People who work in industries like mining, metal grinding, battery manufacturing, or paint production are also good candidates. If you've noticed unexplained fatigue, joint pain near an implant, or nerve symptoms, this test can help rule out metal buildup as a cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like unusual tiredness, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, ringing in the ears, blurry vision, or an unexplained fast heartbeat. Pain, swelling, or a strange sensation around a metal joint implant is another common sign. If you notice a skin rash after handling metal materials at work, that can also point to cobalt sensitivity worth checking.

How can I naturally support healthy metal detox?

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess metals naturally, and eating foods rich in fiber, like vegetables and whole grains, can support this process. Reducing your contact with the exposure source, whether it's a work environment or certain jewelry or supplements, is the most direct step you can take. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, may help your body handle oxidative stress from metal exposure.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available in your account, so there's no need to call or follow up.

What does high cobalt mean?

A high cobalt level often means there's ongoing exposure from an industrial source, a supplement, or wear and tear from a metal joint implant. High levels over time have been linked to heart, thyroid, and nerve problems, so it's worth identifying and removing the exposure source. If your level is significantly elevated or you have symptoms like chest pain or severe fatigue, seek medical care right away.

What causes high cobalt levels?

Common causes include working with cobalt-containing metals, alloys, or pigments, wearing down of a metal-on-metal hip or joint implant, and taking certain vitamin B12 supplements that contain cobalt. Contaminated drinking water or dietary supplements can also be a source in rare cases. Identifying the specific source is the key step to bringing your levels back down.

How often should I retest?

If you have a metal joint implant, testing once a year is a common approach to catch rising levels early. If your first result was elevated, retesting every few weeks to months can help you see whether your changes are working. Once your levels are stable and in the normal range, testing once a year is generally enough.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by identifying and reducing your exposure to the likely source, whether that's a workplace material, a supplement, or an implant. Retest in a few weeks to a couple months to see if your level is trending down. If your levels remain high or you're having symptoms like nerve pain, vision changes, or heart symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Cobalt Blood Test - Metal Exposure & Implant Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]