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Chromium is a mineral that affects insulin, carbohydrate, fat, and protein levels in the body. This article discusses the test to check the amount of chromium in your blood.
Alternative NamesSerum chromium
How the test is performedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test may be done to diagnose chromium poisoning or deficiency.
Normal ValuesSerum chromium levels normally range from less than 0.05 up to 0.5 micrograms/milliliter (mcg/mL).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results meanIncreased chromium levels may result if you are overexposed to the substance when you work in the following industries:
- Leather tanning
- Electroplating
- Steel manufacturing
Decreased chromium levels only occurs in people who receive all of their nutrition by vein (total parenteral nutrition or TPN) whose nutritional fluids do not contain enough chromium.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Test results may be altered if the sample is collected in a metal tube.
ReferencesMason JB. Nutritional assessment and management of the malnourished patient. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 4.
Mason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 237.
National Institutes of Health. Chromium. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/chromium/Accessed June 24, 2011.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/30/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Doris Hooton
I have had a blood test and have 58.5 nmol/L of chromium in my blood. Could
this cause sore and swollen lips
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Test also known as fecal occult blood test?
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Chromium Chromium Chromium
What substance is chromium found in?
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What kind of test is the ANA blood test?
You are certainly right about it not being a familiar blood test. The ANA blood test is a Antinuclear Antibody test. Basically it is a blood test for people with infections, cancer and loung diseases.
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Chromax is the same as Chromium, which is an essential mineral that acts as a cofactor of insulin, enhancing glucose transport and promoting healthy blood sugar levels. As a cofactor of insulin, the actions of chromium are all consistent with an enhancement in insulin sensitivity. Chromax is the same as Chromium, which is an essential mineral that acts as a cofactor of insulin, enhancing glucose transport and promoting healthy blood sugar levels. As a cofactor of insulin, the actions of chromium are all consistent with an enhancement in insulin sensitivity.
What are the benefits of chromium?
Chromium helps control blood sugar levels by increasing the action of insulin, the hormone responsible for carrying sugar (glucose) into your cells, where it can be used for energy. After a meal, blood glucose levels rise, and, in response, your pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by increasing the rate at which glucose enters your cells. To accomplish this, insulin must be able to attach to receptors on the surface of cells. Chromium is thought to help initiate the attachment of insulin to the insulin receptors. Chromium may also help with cholesterol metabolism, and may help maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. In addition, chromium is involved in nucleic acid metabolism. Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA, the genetic material found in every cell. Chromium also influences the regulation of serotonin, the brain's so-called happiness chemical.
