Systemic cobalt levelCobalt Exposure Toxicology Screen
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Cobalt Exposure Toxicology Screen

£80 ✓ In Stock

Choose your sample type:

What's covered in the price: Laboratory-supplied test kit with sample collection materials and prepaid return packaging. Results turnaround varies by test — see the estimated turnaround time shown above.
Results ready within 5 working days

Your sample goes to a UKAS accredited laboratory meeting ISO 15189 standards.

Date of birth required

After you receive your order confirmation email, please reply with your date of birth.

Blood sample
Urine sample
Home or Clinic
(phlebotomy charges apply)
CQC registered Accredited UK labs ISO 15189

How it works

Your testing journey

From order to results in four simple steps. Full transparency on where each step happens and what it costs.

1
Medi Test Direct kit delivered by post

Receive your kit by post

Dispatched same working day if ordered before 3pm. Royal Mail Tracked delivery, typically 1–3 working days. 90% of kits arrive within 24 hours.

2
Home collection option Clinic collection option

Depends on the sample you choose

Urine sample
Collect at home in private. No appointment needed.
Included in kit price
Blood sample
Book at one of our 365+ partner phlebotomy clinics.
Clinic fee applies
3
Urine sample at home Blood sample

Urine or blood — your choice

Urine
Collect a small sample in the container provided, seal the lid, and post it back. Takes under 5 minutes.
Blood
Finger-prick at home or venous draw at a clinic using the vacutainers provided.
4
Return sample by prepaid envelope

Return by prepaid envelope

Seal your sample in the biohazard bag provided and drop it in any Royal Mail postbox using the prepaid Tracked 24 envelope. Post Monday–Thursday for best results.

Why Test for Cobalt?

Cobalt is an essential trace element (as part of vitamin B12) but becomes toxic at elevated levels. The most common reason for cobalt testing today is monitoring patients with metal-on-metal hip replacements , where wear of the prosthesis can release cobalt and chromium into the bloodstream. Occupational exposure in hard metal industries is another concern. Cobalt toxicity can affect the heart, thyroid, nervous system, and hearing.

Common Sources of Cobalt Exposure

  • Metal-on-metal hip implants
  • Hard metal (tungsten carbide) work
  • Diamond polishing
  • Battery manufacturing
  • Pigment & dye production
  • Magnet manufacturing
  • Aerospace alloy work
  • Historical: beer additives (rare)

Effects of Cobalt Exposure

  • Heart problems (cardiomyopathy)
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision changes
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Fatigue & weakness
  • Headaches
  • Memory & concentration issues

If you have a metal-on-metal hip replacement and experience any of these symptoms, testing is especially important. MHRA guidance recommends annual monitoring.

Important — Cobalt Exposure vs Sensitivity

Hip Implant Patients: For metal-on-metal hip replacement monitoring, blood cobalt is the standard test recommended by MHRA and orthopaedic guidelines. Blood levels directly reflect systemic exposure from implant wear. Urine cobalt is less commonly used for implant monitoring but may be requested for occupational screening.

Choose Your Sample Type

You can choose between a blood sample or a urine sample using the selector at the top of this page. Both measure cobalt exposure but in slightly different ways.

Choose BLOOD if:

  • You have a metal-on-metal hip replacement
  • You're following MHRA monitoring guidance
  • Your orthopaedic surgeon requested blood cobalt
  • You have symptoms suggestive of cobalt toxicity
  • You want the standard clinical test

Choose URINE if:

  • You have occupational cobalt exposure
  • Your employer requires urine testing
  • You work with hard metals or batteries
  • You prefer home collection without needles
  • Blood testing isn't practical for you

If you choose to test at home:

  1. 1Blood collection tube
  2. 2Single-use lancet device
  3. 3Sterile gauze pad
  4. 4Adhesive plaster
  5. 5Cleansing wipe
  6. 6Biohazard specimen bag
  7. 7Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  8. 8Step-by-step instructions

If you choose to visit a clinic:

This kit is sent to you and taken to your chosen clinic. The phlebotomist will collect your sample using the materials provided.

  1. 1Vacutainer blood collection tubes
  2. 2Needle and butterfly needle
  3. 3Tourniquet
  4. 4Alcohol swab
  5. 5Cotton wool and gauze
  6. 6Adhesive plaster
  7. 7Biohazard specimen bag
  8. 8Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  9. 9Laboratory request form
  10. 10Instructions for the phlebotomist

Urine Collection Kit

  1. 1Urine collection container
  2. 2Biohazard specimen bag
  3. 3Prepaid return envelope (Royal Mail Tracked 24)
  4. 4Chain of custody form (if applicable)
  5. 5Step-by-step instructions
No Fasting Required: You can eat and drink normally before this test. Dietary Note: Cobalt can be present in everyday foods. Recent dietary intake may influence urine cobalt levels. For the most accurate assessment, maintain your normal diet — your doctor can interpret results in context. For Sensitivity / Allergy Concerns: This test measures systemic cobalt levels, not cobalt allergy. If you suspect a contact allergy, you'll need a skin patch test from a dermatologist. Sample Collection: Follow the kit instructions carefully. Return your sample using the prepaid envelope on the same day as collection where possible. Avoid posting on a Friday or before a bank holiday.
Medical Disclaimer

This test is for screening and information only — it is not a medical diagnosis or professional advice. Please have your results reviewed by a qualified doctor or healthcare provider who can explain what they mean for your personal health situation. If your results show anything outside the normal range, or if you're worried about your health, see your doctor as soon as you can. Don't change any medications or treatments based on these results alone — always talk to your healthcare provider first.

NO CLINICS, NO QUEUES, NO HASSLE

Four steps to clarity

Pick your panel 01

Pick your panel

Browse over 200 clinically designed test kits and choose the one that fits your goals.

Kit to your door 02

Kit to your door

Everything you need arrives in discreet packaging with step-by-step instructions inside.

Collect your sample 03

Collect your sample

Follow the simple instructions in your kit — whether it's a finger-prick at home or a venous draw at a partner clinic.

Insights delivered 04

Insights delivered

Clear, easy-to-understand results sent to you online with actionable health guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Cobalt toxicity can cause cardiomyopathy, thyroid dysfunction, and neurological symptoms. The most common source is metal-on-metal hip replacements, which can release cobalt ions. Also relevant for occupational exposure in mining and metalworking.

No.

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