Cobalt, Blood Unit Converter

Cobalt is a trace metal found naturally in the environment and in small amounts in the human body. It is best known as the central atom in vitamin B12 (cobalamin), which is essential for red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and nervous system function.

The cobalt blood test measures the total concentration of elemental cobalt in serum or plasma. It does not measure vitamin B12 activity and should not be used as a substitute for B12 testing.

This test is primarily ordered to evaluate occupational or environmental cobalt exposure, to monitor patients with cobalt-containing metal-on-metal hip implants, or to investigate suspected cobalt toxicity.

The body cannot produce cobalt. It enters the body primarily through food, almost entirely as vitamin B12 from animal-based sources such as meat, liver, fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products. Smaller amounts come from plant foods grown in cobalt-containing soil.