What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about cobalt exposure from your job or environment, especially if you work around metal manufacturing, mining, or hard-metal industries. It's also useful if you have a cobalt-containing joint implant and want to check whether metal is building up in your body. Symptoms like unusual fatigue, heart problems, thyroid changes, or hearing and vision issues after known exposure are common reasons people order this test.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with your cobalt level clearly compared to the normal range so you can see exactly where you stand. If your level is elevated, next steps usually involve reducing your exposure source, whether that's a work environment, supplements, or an implanted medical device, and retesting after a few weeks to see if the level drops. If a result comes back very high or you have symptoms like chest pain, vision changes, or severe fatigue, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to track your cobalt levels over time.

Who should consider this test?

People who work in industries like metal grinding, mining, welding, or hard-metal tool manufacturing are good candidates for this test. It's also worth considering if you have a cobalt-chromium hip or knee implant and want to monitor for metal buildup. Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, heart issues, or nerve symptoms after known cobalt contact may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or unexplained weight loss, especially if you work around cobalt or have a metal joint implant. Vision or hearing changes, skin rashes, and thyroid-related symptoms like feeling unusually cold or tired can also signal cobalt buildup. If you notice these symptoms and have a known exposure source, testing can help clarify what's going on.

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. The report will clearly show your cobalt level alongside the normal reference range.

How can I naturally support healthy cobalt levels?

The best way to keep cobalt levels in check is to limit ongoing exposure, such as wearing proper protective equipment at work or discussing implant monitoring options if you have a metal joint replacement. Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess cobalt through urine since that's the body's main elimination pathway. Eating a balanced diet without excessive cobalt-containing supplements (like some vitamin B12 formulations) also helps avoid unnecessary buildup.

What does high cobalt mean?

A high cobalt level usually points to ongoing exposure from an industrial source, contaminated supplements, or wear from a metal implant. Over time, elevated cobalt can affect the heart, thyroid, nerves, and hearing or vision, so it's worth taking seriously if your number is well above the normal range. The report will show how far above range you are, which helps put the result in context.

What causes high or low cobalt levels?

High cobalt is most often caused by workplace exposure in metal industries, a failing or worn cobalt-chromium implant, or occasionally certain vitamin B12 supplements. Low cobalt is less commonly a concern since cobalt is a normal part of a balanced diet and small amounts are needed for vitamin B12 function. If your level is unusually low, it's rarely a health issue on its own.

How often should I retest?

If you're monitoring workplace exposure, retesting every few months is a reasonable starting point, or more often if your job involves heavy cobalt contact. If you have a metal implant, your monitoring schedule may be set based on your implant type and how long it's been in place. After making changes to reduce exposure, retesting in 4-6 weeks can show whether your levels are trending down.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your cobalt level is elevated, start by identifying and reducing your exposure source, whether that's improving workplace safety practices or reviewing supplement use. Retest in a few weeks to confirm the trend, and use the trends feature in your account to track progress over time. If your level is very high or you have concerning symptoms like heart palpitations or vision changes, 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 24-Hour Urine Test - Metal Exposure 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

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