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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Antimony- Blood

Alias or Abbreviation:Blood Sb

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 accredited test: On scope

Intro:

Antimony is used in the production of diodes, infrared detectors, batteries, paint, glass, pottery, metal alloys and flame proof materials. The biological activity of antimony resembles that of arsenic, although it is substantially less toxic. Exposure may be inhalational, particularly in the mining and extraction industries.
Exposure to stibine (SbH3), a highly toxic gas, can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, jaundice, and anaemia. Consuming contaminated food and water, as well as antimony-containing medication may also lead to toxicity.
Toxicity is best investigated through determination of blood concentrations since antimony is predominantly bound to erythrocytes. Conversely, occupational exposure is best monitored by measurement of antimony in urine.
Note: Antimony is also widely used for the treatment of parasitic infections, namely leishmaniosis and schistosomiasis – blood and urine samples can be tested for monitoring purposes.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory

Requestable Seperately?No

Units:nmol/L

Minimum Sample Volume:500 µL whole blood

Expected Turnaround Time:14 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.

Test Code:SB

Sample Type:

Preferred: Trace element free EDTA or sodium heparin whole blood
Accepted: EDTA whole blood if contamination testing has confirmed that the tube lot being used is antimony-free
Note: Tubes with a black o-ring are not suitable for antimony. Plasma/serum is NOT suitable

Complex Reference Range:<5.0 nmol/L

Collection Conditions / Other Information:Blood tubes may occasionally be a source of antimony contamination, and this may be tube lot specific.
We recommend testing tubes for contamination prior to use for blood antimony.
Please contact the laboratory for further information, prior to sending a sample for blood antimony analysis.

Referred to Another Laboratory?No

Storage Requirements:Store at 4 °C prior to dispatch

Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post at ambient temperature. Sandwell Health Campus, Specialist Chemistry, Pathology Department, Lyndon, B71 4HJ.

NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes

EQA Scheme:QUEBEC Multielement External Quality Assessment Scheme (QMEQAS)

Further information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.

Lead Contact Details:Dr Nicola Barlow, Consultant Clinical Scientist, SAS Director Trace Elements Laboratory,
Email: nicola.barlow1@nhs.net

Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net

Methodology:Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus

Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details

Contact Number:0121 507 5162