Description
Aluminium toxicity can cause severe bone disease, encephalopathy, and microcytic anaemia. In dialysis patients, the major source of aluminium is dialysates with aluminium-contaminated water or from ingesting aluminium containing phosphate binders. Aluminium induced bone damage is due to demineralisation of the matrix and osteoblast inhibition. Aluminium also interferes with parathyroid hormone synthesis. Microcytic anaemia occurs as a result of aluminium interference with iron absorption and transport in serum. Moreover, aluminium is a neurotoxin, can cause encephalopathy, and may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Indications
This test is useful in monitoring dialysis patients for aluminium intoxication and in screening aluminium factory workers for higher than acceptable levels of aluminium.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
1 ml EDTA WB Room Temperature
Special Precautions
Use plastic tubes.
Normal Range
30.0 µg/L
