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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Silver -Blood

Alias or Abbreviation:Ag

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189:2022 Accredited test : on scope

Intro:

Silver is used in photography, soldering, jewellery production and in the treatment of drinking water due to its well-known antibacterial properties. There is also some interest in incorporating silver into medical devices such as urinary catheters to prevent infections.
Furthermore, silver, a non-essential element, is used in some medicines as an antimicrobial agent; silver sulphadiazine is added to ointments used in the treatment of severe burns. Colloidal silver (liquid solutions, spray and/or pills) is used to treat a variety of infections and as alternative remedies. Individuals exposed to chronic high levels by inhalation or ingestion may present with generalised argyria, a non-lethal but irreversible bluish-grey skin colouration due to accumulation of silver sulphide or selenide in the skin.
Localised argyria may be evident in individuals applying silver preparations topically. Despite silver being relatively non-toxic, renal, cardiac, neurological, and hepatic toxicities have been reported.
Concentrations greater than 1000 nmol/L may be seen, therefore, close monitoring of these patients is highly recommended by measuring concentrations in both blood and urine.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Metals Lab

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:AG

Sample Type:

Preferred: Trace element free EDTA or sodium heparin whole blood
Accepted: EDTA whole blood
Note: Plasma/serum is 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
Pathology Department
Specialist Chemistry
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:rwt-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistry@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