Chromium Urine Test

This test is routinely ordered to industry workers to screen for occupational exposure to chromium and chromium toxicity. At the workplace, an individual may be tested for chromium exposure at the start or end of a shift, or sometimes both.

Your doctor may request a chromium urine test if you have a prosthetic metallic implant in your body. Most metallic implants contain some amount of chromium, which they keep on releasing in the body. It is necessary to check for chromium levels in the urine annually to avoid any possible ill-effects of the implanted device.

This test is also ordered if a person, who is known to have chromium exposure, shows the following signs and symptoms:

• Persistent cough
• A lesion on a chest x-ray
• Coughing up blood

It is important to note that chromium clears up rapidly from the body. Urine chromium levels only reflect the chromium that your body has absorbed over the past 1-2 days.

A chromium urine test does not require much preparation. If a person is being tested for occupational exposure to chromium, the test may be done before and after working hours. At some workplaces, a monthly check may be performed instead. Other than that, your doctor may order a chromium urine test as part of an annual check-up if you have a prosthetic metal implant. 

Since a few chemicals like iodine can interfere with the test results, it is best to inform the doctor if you are taking any supplements or medicines. Also, let him/her know if you have undergone any recent imaging procedures, as the chemical involved in these procedures may interfere with the results of this test.

You’ll be provided with a special container to collect a sample of your urine. Wash your hands properly and wipe your genital area with a clean wipe before taking the sample. While urinating, first let some urine flow into the toilet and then urinate in the container up to the marking on it. Make sure the sample is not contaminated with blood or faeces. 

If there are any additional steps to follow, the clinician will explain them to you.

(Read more: Chromium blood test)

Normal results:

The normal levels of chromium found in the urine of a person depend on the time that has elapsed since the exposure. Since the body excretes chromium rapidly via urine, the test must be done within the correct time range. 

For a person with occupational exposure to chromium, a normal value at the end of working hours is less than 25 µg/L. For everyone else, the normal urine chromium should be around 10 µg/L or less. 

Sometimes, a lower value of chromium in the urine may be reported if enough time has elapsed since the exposure. This may be considered a negative result even though there has been past exposure to chromium. In such cases, a doctor may order other tests to avoid misinterpretation of results.

Abnormal results:

Any value above the reference range is considered abnormal. In case of abnormal results in a person with occupational exposure to chromium, the test may be repeated and the person’s work practices are reviewed. The person may be asked to discontinue working in the same area to avoid further exposure and risk of ill-effects.

Your doctor may be able to explain your results more elaborately to you. They may also explain what steps must be taken to avoid further risks of chromium toxicity. 

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.