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HelpMayo Test ID MOWB Molybdenum, Blood
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to potentially interfere with most inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry-based metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Supplies: Metal Free B-D Tube (EDTA), 6 mL (T183)
Collection Container/Tube: Royal blue top (EDTA) plastic trace element blood collection tube
Specimen Volume: 0.8 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions.
2. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Useful For
Determining molybdenum toxicity
Method Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Reporting Name
Molybdenum, BSpecimen Type
Whole bloodSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days | ||
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Clinical Information
Molybdenum is an essential trace element and a component of metalloflavoproteins. High concentrations are found in leafy vegetables and legumes. The recommended daily dietary allowance for molybdenum is 45 mcg for adults.(1)
As an industrial metal, molybdenum is used in the manufacturing of steel alloys, lubricants, or pigments. Occupational exposure is generally from inhalation of dusts or fumes. The current threshold limit is 0.5 mg/m(2) for soluble compounds and 3 mg/m(2) (respirable fraction) for the metal and its insoluble compounds.(1)
Oral absorption varies from 28% to 77%. Whole blood concentrations averaged 0.43 mcg/L (range 0.6-4.0 mcg/L) in unexposed individuals.(2) However, exposed adults averaged 2.7 mcg/L (range 1.2-4.8 mcg/L).(3) Once absorbed, molybdenum is primarily eliminated in the urine over 5 or more days.(4)
Molybdenum deficiency can cause irritability, altered levels of consciousness, and a variety of biochemical abnormalities.(5) Toxicity can range from auditory and visual hallucinations, diarrhea, insomnia, painful extremities, and seizures.(6)
Whole blood molybdenum concentrations are likely to be increased above the reference range in patients with metallic joint prosthesis.
Reference Values
<4 ng/mL (unexposed)
<5 ng/mL (exposed)
Interpretation
Normal blood concentrations are 0.6-4.0 ng/mL in unexposed individuals and 1.2-4.8 ng/mL in exposed individuals.(4)
Cautions
To avoid contamination during specimen collection, it is essential to follow collection procedures as outlined in Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport.
Clinical Reference
1. Baselt R. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals In: Man. 10th ed. Biomedical Publications; 2014
2. Heitland P, Koster HD. Biomonitoring of 37 trace elements in blood samples from inhabitants of northern Germany by ICP-MS. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2006;20(4):253-262
3. Burguera JL, Burguera M. Molybdenum in human whole blood of adult residents of the Merida State (Venezuela). J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2007;21(3):178-183
4. Werner E, Roth P, Heinrichs U, et al. Internal biokinetic behaviour of molybdenum in humans studied with stable isotopes as tracers. Isotopes Environ Health Stud. 2000;36(2):123-132
5. Abumrad NN, Schneider AJ, Steel D, Rogers LS. Amino acid intolerance during prolonged total parenteral nutrition reversed by molybdate therapy. Am J Clin Nutr. 1981;34(11):2551-2559
6. Momcilovic B. A case report of acute human molybdenum toxicity from a dietary molybdenum supplement--a new member of the "Lucor metallicum" family. Arh Hig Rada Toksikol. 1999;50(3):289-297
7. Gebel T, Claussen K, Dunkelberg H. Human biomonitoring of antimony. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 1998;71(3):221-224
8. Sodi R. Vitamins and trace elements. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham CAD, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:417-417
9. Witzleb WC, Ziegler J, Krummenauer F, Neumeister V, Guenther KP. Exposure to chromium, cobalt and molybdenum from metal-on-metal total hip replacement and hip resurfacing arthroplasty. Acta Orthop. 2006;77(5):697-705
Method Description
The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Wednesday
Report Available
1 to 8 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83018
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MOWB | Molybdenum, B | 5696-0 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 64272 | Molybdenum, B | 5696-0 |