Aluminium

Clinical Chemistry

---

Description

Aluminium is a non-essential trace element. There is no disease state associated with low levels of aluminium. Toxicity can occur in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis, in those on the phosphate binder aluminium hydroxide or in patients on long term blood products. Symptoms of toxicity include dialysis-related encephalopathy, Vitamin D-resistant osteomalacia and anaemia.

---

Indications

Serum: Monitoring patients on dialysis, aluminium hydroxide or long term blood products. Water: any water used during the treatment of dialysis to check the patient will not be exposed to high levels of aluminium.

---

Sample Type

Serum, plain plastic container only, minimum 2 mL (500 uL separated serum). Water and dialysate samples, plain plastic container only, minimum 3 mL. Cleanse the skin with an alcohol wipe before sampling to avoid contamination.

---

Reference Range

Reference ranges are provided on the report. Alternatively, please contact the laboratory for current ranges.

---

Turnaround Time

Within 4 weeks

---

Testing Frequency

Serum: every 2 weeks.
Water/dialysate: when required.

---

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.