Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Although there are substantial differences in the toxicities of different arsenic compounds, acute exposure usually causes abdominal pain, weakness, trembling, increased salivation, jaundice, diarrhea and vomiting. Long term exposure to smaller amounts causes similar symptoms in a milder form which, of course, resemble those of many chronic diseases.
Specimen container paediatric:
Whole blood-EDTA
Specimen container adult:
Whole blood-EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
5 mL blood
Special requirements:
NB: Urine is sample of choice
Availability:
Referred to an external laboratory for analysis.
Interpretation:
Symptoms of arsenic poisoning begin with headaches, confusion, severe diarrhea, and drowsiness. As the poisoning develops, convulsions and changes in fingernail pigmentation called leukonychia striata, Mees’ lines, or Aldrich-Mees’ lines may occur. When the poisoning becomes acute, symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, blood in the urine, cramping muscles, hair loss, stomach pain, and more convulsions. The organs of the body that are usually affected by arsenic poisoning are the lungs, skin, kidneys, and liver. The final result of arsenic poisoning is coma and death.
Reference ranges:
Provided on report from referral laboratory.
Factors affecting result:
For arsenic analysis, diet must be free of seafood for 5 days.