What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you have metal implants like hip or knee replacements, work with metals or batteries, or suspect environmental exposure to cobalt. It helps monitor cobalt levels in your blood to prevent toxicity that can cause heart problems, thyroid issues, nerve damage, and hearing or vision problems. Many people use this test when their doctor wants to check if a metal implant is releasing cobalt into their body or if they've been exposed through their workplace.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your cobalt levels mean for your health and whether they're within safe ranges. These notes include personalized recommendations on whether you need follow-up testing, should consult with a specialist about metal implants, or need to reduce occupational exposure. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your cobalt levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for ongoing monitoring of implants or workplace exposure.

What's included in this test?

This test measures blood cobalt levels. Cobalt is a naturally occurring element, but elevated levels can indicate problems with metal implants, occupational exposure from manufacturing or battery work, or environmental contamination. The test helps determine if cobalt levels are high enough to cause health problems or if ongoing monitoring is needed.

How should I prepare for this test?

You should avoid taking mineral supplements, vitamin B12, or vitamin B complex for 3 days before your blood draw, as these may contain cobalt and affect your results. No fasting is required. This preparation ensures your test accurately reflects cobalt levels from exposure sources rather than from supplements.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone with metal-on-metal hip or knee replacements, as these implants can release cobalt particles. It's also important for people working in industries involving hard metals, diamond polishing, battery manufacturing, or metal grinding. Those living near industrial sites or concerned about environmental exposure should also consider testing, especially if experiencing unexplained symptoms like fatigue, heart palpitations, or thyroid problems.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms of cobalt toxicity can include unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or chest pain, thyroid problems, hearing or vision changes, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, and skin rashes. If you have metal implants and experience joint pain, swelling, or any of these symptoms, testing can determine if elevated cobalt is the cause.

What does high cobalt mean?

High cobalt levels indicate excessive exposure that could harm your health over time. Elevated levels may suggest your metal implant is degrading and releasing particles, you're exposed to cobalt at work, or you've encountered environmental contamination. High cobalt can affect your heart, thyroid, nervous system, and blood cell production, so it's important to identify and address the source with your doctor.

What causes high cobalt levels?

The most common cause is degrading metal-on-metal joint replacements, particularly hip implants. Occupational exposure from working with hard metals, ceramics, batteries, or diamond polishing tools is another frequent cause. Less common sources include industrial pollution, contaminated drinking water, or excessive intake of cobalt-containing supplements. Identifying the source helps determine the appropriate action to reduce exposure.

What should I do if my cobalt is high?

If your levels are elevated, consult your doctor immediately to identify the exposure source. If you have metal implants, you may need imaging tests and evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon to check for implant wear. For occupational exposure, work with your employer to improve safety measures and use protective equipment. Your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring and potentially chelation therapy in severe cases.

How often should I retest my cobalt levels?

If you have metal implants, annual testing is typically recommended for routine monitoring, or more frequently if levels are elevated or you have symptoms. For occupational exposure, your employer may require regular testing every 6-12 months depending on exposure risk. If initial levels are high, your doctor may want to retest every 3-6 months to monitor trends and ensure interventions are working.

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 Implant & 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

[email protected]

Blood Test for Cobalt Exposure and Metal Implant Safety

Cobalt, Blood

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Blood Test for Cobalt Exposure and Metal Implant Safety

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say