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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Bismuth -Blood

Alias or Abbreviation:Bi

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: On scope

Intro:

Bismuth, is used in industry in the production of alloys, glass, ceramics and cosmetics. Preparations of bismuth, a non-essential element, are also employed in the treatment of dyspepsia, diarrhoea, gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Combined therapies containing bismuth, are often recommended for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori due to its effective bactericidal properties. Some of these preparations are accessible without a prescription. Increased absorption is apparent in patients on long-term bismuth therapy.
Increasing pH and gastric acid suppression are known to enhance bismuth absorption significantly. Circulating concentrations are typically maintained at low levels due to rapid renal clearance. Therefore, bismuth related biochemical abnormalities are more likely in patients with renal insufficiency.
Lipid soluble bismuth compounds are associated with neurological symptoms and encephalopathy, particularly at concentrations exceeding 100µg/L (478.5 nmol/L). Conversely, water soluble bismuth compounds accumulate in the kidney causing renal failure. Both encephalopathy and renal dysfunction are reversible upon removal of bismuth. Concentrations can be measured in both blood and urine.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory

Requestable Seperately?Yes

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:BI

Sample Type:

Preferred: Trace element free EDTA or sodium heparin whole blood
Accepted: EDTA whole blood
Please note: tubes with a black o-ring and plasma/serum are NOT suitable.

Complex Reference Range:<5.0 nmol/L

Referred to Another Laboratory?No

Storage Requirements:Store at 4 °C prior to dispatch

Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st Class Post,
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:Tel: 0121 507 5162