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jor physiological function in humans and is higher in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Blood tests might confirm that we are at safe levels or reveal potential harm. We come into contact with aluminium compounds through the goods we use, such as antiperspirants, the water we drink, and the cookware and foil we use daily. Chronic renal failure patients are particularly prone to aluminium build-up in their bones, especially if they are receiving long-term haemodialysis.
Aluminium content in our body - When aluminium substitutes calcium in bone, normal osteoid development and mineralization are disrupted. Aluminium reduces the consumption and absorption of iron. Aluminium in serum, erythrocytes, and plasma - Aluminium levels in serum, erythrocytes, and plasma seem to be related. Aluminium toxicity is predicted by serum aluminium concentrations exceeding 5 mol/L (135 g/L). Patients with elevated blood aluminium levels should be tested for anaemia.
Why Aluminium, Serum test?
The aluminium blood test measures the level of aluminium in the blood and is a useful technique for identifying aluminium poisoning and monitoring it over time.
You may find out how much aluminium is in your blood by doing an aluminium test. The kidneys will eliminate the blood's intake of aluminium (5–10 mg) under normal circumstances, and this process happens every day.
Kidney failure affects a person's capacity to filter aluminium from their blood, which prevents the body from excreting its contents. Due to the possibility of bone and brain damage, this might be quite risky.
The process of creating blood cells is called haematopoiesis. A person with high blood levels of aluminium will be affected by the haematopoiesis process and develop anaemia.
To determine your body's levels of aluminium, you can take aluminium tests. Additionally, those who receive kidney dialysis can keep an eye on the dangers of aluminium as well as the advancement of metallic prosthetic implants, which are typically used for joint replacement.
Blood Test for Pre-Aluminium
Before performing the aluminium test, there are several things you need to get ready because the results could be impacted by several circumstances, including:
Unlike other tests, an aluminium test needs a specifically designed blood tube.
- The majority of blood tubes used in the aluminium test have rubber caps made of aluminium silicate. To prevent aluminium contamination of the blood samples that have been stored inside, make sure no one touches the tube's cap.
- Iodine will be used by the contrast medium gadolinium (a silvery-white metal) for 96 hours. This might impact the outcomes of the aluminium test.
- A blood sample previously drawn from an arm vein will be used for the aluminium test, which will determine the level of aluminium in your blood. For the aluminium test, this blood sample will serve as a reference.
At the time of an aluminium blood test
- You will be required to perform several clinical assessments before the actual aluminium test after registering for it.
- Your doctor will inquire about your current medications and any complaints you may be having. As taking specific medications may alter the results of your aluminium test, be careful to provide accurate and comprehensive information.
- Additionally, it is suggested that you wear short sleeves to make it simpler when your blood sample is taken and afterwards checked for aluminium levels.
The procedure for collecting blood samples for tests on aluminium is as follows:
- Your medical service provider will set up the tools required to take blood samples, including blood tubes, tourniquets, bandages, cotton swabs, and tissues soaked in alcohol.
- The blood flow will be stopped by a strap or elastic band that you will wear around your arm.
- First, a tissue soaked in alcohol will be used to clean the puncture site.
- A needle will then be placed in your vein.
- The syringe is connected to a blood tube so that the blood flowing into the tube can serve as a sample.
- After your blood is drawn, the tourniquet will be released, and the puncture site will be covered with a cotton swab.
- You will be instructed to apply pressure on the puncture site to stop additional bleeding.
After the Aluminium Blood test
- People may respond differently to injections; some may have discomfort for a longer period, while others may experience it gradually disappearing.
- Later to the test, carry on with your regular activities while awaiting the results.
- To interpret the results, speak with your doctor.
- Depending on the laboratory or service provider you select, the typical aluminium levels may change. If additional testing is necessary, your doctor will typically give you additional instructions.
Knowing your test results
You will know the results of the Aluminium test immediately after a series of test procedures:
Normal
When levels of aluminium are only 0–6 ng/mL, they can be deemed to be normal. In the meanwhile, patients receiving hemofiltration may be regarded as normal when their aluminium levels are less than 60 ng/mL.
Abnormal
When the index increases, aluminium levels may be deemed abnormal because you are probably poisoned with aluminium. To properly diagnose you if you have aberrant test results, your doctor may prescribe some further tests, including a physical examination.
A high blood aluminium level can put you at risk for many harmful outcomes. Aluminium levels should be reduced very away to prevent damage to your body. Aluminium may build up in high concentrations, combine with albumin (the primary protein in human blood made by the liver), and then quickly move throughout your body, particularly the brain and bones.
Increased levels may be the consequence of contamination from the skin or the collection process, such as when a non-certificated metal-free collection/transport tube is used. If there is such confusion, it is advised to validate the results using a second sample that was taken from a certified metal-free tube.
Risks of Aluminium Serum Test
If done incorrectly, an aluminium test could be invalid. A misdiagnosis may result from the following factors:
- Even though the aluminium test requires a specific blood tube, your doctor does not use one.
- The majority of the blood tubes used in the aluminium test have rubber caps made of aluminium silicate. A 20–60 ng/mL of aluminium contamination may arise from an incorrect puncture.
- Using a wooden applicator stick or a pipette tip could contaminate the sample, which could lead to abnormal test results.