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Serum chromium

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Blood test
Blood test

Alternative Names    Return to top

Chromium blood test

Definition    Return to top

Serum chromium is a test for abnormal levels of chromium in the blood.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test may be done to diagnose chromium poisoning or deficiency.

Normal Results    Return to top

Serum chromium levels normally range from less than 0.05 up to 0.5 micrograms/milliliter (mg/mL).

The range of normal values depends on the type of specimen tested and may vary between different laboratories.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Increased chromium levels may result if you are overexposed to the substance when you work in the following industries:

Decreased chromium levels usually occur in people who receive all of their nutrition by vein (total parenteral nutrition or TPN).

Risks    Return to top

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Considerations    Return to top

Test results may be altered if the sample is collected in a metal tube.

References    Return to top

Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 237.

Update Date: 5/7/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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