Chromium, Serum

Chromium, Serum

Chromium (Cr) has many industrial uses and is discharged in the environment as industrial waste. In the body, it exists in the +3 and +6 oxidation states. Cr functions in the control of glucose and lipid metabolism. Cr potentiates insulin action and insulin resistance may be the result of chromium deficiency. Insulin appears to be ineffective as a glucose regulator without Cr.

Deficiency symptoms may include high or low blood glucose, lean tissue wasting, anxiety, fatigue, retarded growth, decreased glycogen reserves, high blood lipids and possibly heart disease and diabetes.

Sources for Cr are brewer's yeast, liver, meat, cheese, legumes, beans, peas, whole grains, black pepper, and molasses.

Doctors who wish to order kits, please call our lab directly to set up an account before ordering. 316-684-7784

Process time: 5 to 7 business days

Process method: The methodology is by atomic absorption/ICP.

Special instructions: None

Rejection causes: Hemolysis

Patient prep: None

Specimen volume: 0.5 mL serum

Minimum volume: 0.1 mL

Collection container: Trace element non-additive tube

Transport container: Metal-free plastic transport tube

Transport instructions: Refrigerate or freeze

Collection instructions: Click here for PDF

Normal values: Serum = 0.1 to 1.7 ug/L

Reference one: Harrison, W. W.: The determination of trace elements in human hair by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Clinica Chimica Acta, 1969:23; 36-39

Reference two: Boss, C.B., Fredeen K.J.: Concepts, instrumentation and techniques in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, 2nd Ed, 1999, Perkin Elmer Corporation.

Reference three: Losi, M.E., et al.: Environmental biochemistry of chromium. Rev. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 1994, 136:91-121.

Reference four: Freund, H., Atamian, S, Fisher, J.E.: Chromium deficiency during TPN. JAMA, 1979, 241:496-498.