< Return to all Tests

Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Thallium – Blood

Alias or Abbreviation:Tl

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189: 2022 accredited test: On scope

Intro:

Thallium is a colourless, odourless and tasteless metal once widely used as a rat poison, insecticide, and for the treatment of skin infections. It is currently used in the manufacture of electronics, alloys, optical lenses and gamma radiation detection equipment.
Acute thallium toxicity may arise from the ingestion of thallium salts. Chronic occupational exposure is largely via the absorption of the salts through the skin or inhalation of contaminated dust, particularly from pyrite burners or cadmium manufacturing. Clinical features of severe toxicity include acute gastrointestinal symptoms and neuropathy with paraesthesia of the extremities, which can progress to muscle paralysis and eventual cardio-respiratory failure.
The most characteristic sign of thallium poisoning is whole body alopecia, which occurs 10-15 days post ingestion. Other signs include darkening of the hair follicles, Mee’s lines (white transverse bands on the nails) and psychological problems. Prussian blue, potassium chloride and haemodialysis are currently the only effective therapies used.
Exposure to thallium is usually measured in urine, however blood thallium may be useful in acute poisoning.

Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory

Requestable Seperately?Yes

Units:nmol/L

Minimum Sample Volume:500 µL whole blood

Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.

Test Code:TL

Sample Type:

Preferred: EDTA whole blood
Accepted: Trace element free sodium heparin whole blood
Note: Plasma/serum is NOT suitable

Complex Reference Range:<5 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

EQA Scheme: UK NEQAS for Trace Elements

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