The body can absorb aluminium from food, water, and medicines. Exposure to aluminium is usually not harmful, but prolonged exposure to high levels of aluminium can be toxic and cause problems for vital organs such as the brain, kidneys, liver, and bones.
Importance of the Serum Aluminium Test in Monitoring Health
Aluminium is a common metal that is present in low amounts in the air, water, and some foods. While exposure to aluminium is typically harmless, excessive accumulation of it in the body can be harmful to health. The aluminium serum test measures the level of aluminium in the blood and helps determine if there is too much aluminium present, particularly if you are exposed to it at work or have kidney or dialysis problems since your kidneys help remove aluminium from your body. Monitoring the amount of aluminium in serum or plasma can also be used to help diagnose and monitor treatment for toxicity.
The aluminium serum test is a blood test performed to measure the level of aluminium in the blood. It is used to evaluate exposure or toxicity to aluminium. Generally, high levels of aluminium in the body may be caused by exposure to aluminium in a work setting, the use of certain medicines, or environmental factors. Although the body can effectively eliminate small amounts of this metal naturally, prolonged exposure or improper elimination may lead to toxicity, which has been associated with both neurologic degeneration and bone disorders. Therefore, it is advisable to undergo an aluminium test to assist in the diagnosis of aluminium toxicity and to monitor exposure in the workplace.
Symptoms of Aluminium Toxicity
Overexposure to aluminium may result in a variety of health complications. A few prevalent symptoms of aluminium toxicity are:
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Speech problems
- Muscle weakness
- Bone pain
- Anemia
- Seizures
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare provider without delay. A healthcare provider may advise undergoing an aluminium serum test to monitor the aluminium levels in your blood.
Why is the Aluminium, Serum Test Done?
Aluminium, serum test is performed for the following purposes.
- Individuals with renal failure unable to eliminate aluminium
- Individuals undergoing dialysis for the management of kidney failure
- Individuals experiencing difficulties in iron absorption
- Individuals having anemia
- Individuals using astringents (substance that causes body tissues to contract or reduce in size) containing aluminium
- Individuals receiving long-term intravenous nutrition support
Preparation and General Instructions
No special preparation is required for the aluminium serum test. However, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, as well as any vitamins or calcium tablets. Your healthcare provider may give you intravenous deferoxamine before the test. This medicine helps release bound aluminium from various tissues.
A healthcare provider will collect a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be sent to a lab to measure the level of aluminium in your serum. You may feel some pain or discomfort at the spot where the needle was put in, but this should get better with time.
Interpretation of the Aluminium, Serum Test Results
The units of measurement for the results are given in micrograms per liter (mcg/L)
|
Type |
Value |
Interpretation |
|
Aluminium, blood |
<10 mcg/L |
Normal |
|
Aluminium in dialysis patients |
<60 mcg/L |
Normal |
|
Aluminium, blood |
>100 mcg/L |
Toxicity |
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
- Low levels of aluminium in the bloodstream may lead to the development of microcytic anemia and lung disorders.
- High levels of aluminium are commonly observed in chronic dialysis patients, leading to symptoms such as bone pain and early-onset dementia, characterized by memory impairment and other cognitive disabilities.
The aluminium serum test serves as a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of aluminium in the blood. The test is used to measure the amount of aluminium in the serum sample. Aluminium is a naturally occurring metal that can be found in various sources, including food, water, medications, and the environment. However, too much exposure from these sources can cause an unhealthy buildup of aluminium in people's systems, particularly among those with impaired kidney function. The aluminium serum test is performed to assess the level of aluminium in an individual's blood serum and to determine if there is an elevated concentration of aluminium. This test is often ordered along with other related tests, including serum creatinine and serum electrolyte tests, when there is a concern about potential aluminium exposure and its associated health risks.
