Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Bismuth- Urine
Alias or Abbreviation:Urine Bi, urine bismuth to creatinine ratio
Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test: On scope
Intro:
Bismuth, a biologically non-essential element, is used in the production of alloys, glass, ceramics and cosmetics. Bismuth preparations are also employed in the treatment of heartburn, diarrhoea, gastric and duodenal ulcers.Some of these preparations are accessible without a prescription. Bismuth is hypothesised to supress Helicobacter pylori, although the exact method of action has not yet been deduced. 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. 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 conveniently measured in both blood and urine.
Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:nmol/mmol creatinine
Minimum Sample Volume:2 mL urine
Expected Turnaround Time:14 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Test Code:UBI
Sample Type:
Random (spot) urine collected into a plain white -top universal container.Complex Reference Range: Less than 0.1 nmol/mmol creatinine
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:Trace Elements Laboratory, Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:Tel: 0121 507 5162
