0
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.
What else can I help you with?
Test also known as fecal occult blood test?
Chromium
What color flame test does cobalt and chromium give?
Cobalt gives a blue flame test while chromium gives a green flame test.
What is the activity of chromium-51?
Chromium-51 is used in nuclear medicine for diagnostic imaging studies, particularly to evaluate blood volume and red blood cell survival. It emits gamma radiation that can be detected by a gamma counter, allowing for measurements that provide information about red blood cell turnover and volume.
What is the name of the thiamine blood test?
The name of the thiamine blood test is "Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Blood Test" or simply "Thiamine Blood Test."
What is better to get a pregnancy test by urine or blood test?
blood test
What is a Prolactin Blood Test?
What is a Prolactin Blood Test?
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.
What is blood test?
A blood test is a test that the doctor takes a sample of your blood to test it to see if you have any medical conditions or diseases, etc.
What is the isotopes of chromium 151?
The stable isotope of chromium is chromium-52. Other isotopes of chromium include chromium-50, chromium-53, chromium-54, and chromium-55, but not chromium-151.
Serum chromium?
DefinitionSerum chromium is a test for abnormal levels of chromium in the blood.Alternative NamesChromium blood testHow the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.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 (mg/mL).The range of normal values depends on the type of specimen tested and may vary between different laboratories.What abnormal results meanIncreased chromium levels may result if you are overexposed to the substance when you work in the following industries:Leather tanningElectroplatingSteel manufacturingDecreased chromium levels usually occur in people who receive all of their nutrition by vein (total parenteral nutrition or TPN).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 bleedingFainting or feeling light-headedHematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)Special considerationsTest results may be altered if the sample is collected in a metal tube.ReferencesMason JB. Vitamins, trace minerals, and other micronutrients. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 237.
What is a TFTs blood test?
Thyroid function blood test
Chromium assists in the uptake of what?
Chromium assists in the uptake of glucose into cells by enhancing the action of insulin. It is involved in regulating blood sugar levels and plays a role in metabolism.
