Clinical significance
Chromium is a trace metal that plays an important role in maintaining glucose balance by binding to insulin and helping to carry it to cell receptors. Chromium is also widely used in industry (alloy production, chrome plating, dyes) and can be toxic when dust and fumes are inhaled. Acute poisoning causes irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs. Chronic exposure appears to be a predisposing factor for lung cancer. After absorption, chromium tends to bind to red blood cells and is then eliminated mainly in the urine.
Clinical indications
Occupational exposure to chromium.
Sample type
The patient must have a blood sample taken or bring a urine sample.
Preparation
Fasting is not required. The urine collected must be passed at the start or end of the work shift. During collection the container must not be contaminated by work clothes and/or dirty hands. You should wash your hands after removing your work clothes and gloves.
Notes
Smoking can interfere.
Chromium is eliminated fairly quickly, with only a slight tendency to build up over time, so chromium concentrations in urine samples collected at the end of the work shift, or the increase in these values compared with those at the start of the shift, are good indicators of exposure.
After exposure has stopped, chromium remains in the urine for some time, so its presence indicates build-up due to past exposure.