Aluminum

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Medical Video: How Stuff Works-Aluminium

Definition

What is an aluminum test?

Aluminum tests are used to measure aluminum levels in the blood. In normal people, aluminum is absorbed from daily food (5-10 mg) and excreted through the kidneys. However, the kidneys of patients who have renal failure (RF) or kidney failure lose the ability to filter and remove aluminum from the body. As a result, high levels of aluminum can be toxic to the body. High aluminum levels can cause aluminum to accumulate, melt with albumin, then spread rapidly throughout the body including the brain and bones. The accumulation of aluminum in the brain is one of the causes of dementia. While in bone, aluminum will replace calcium so that the formation of bone tissue will be damaged. Aluminum concentrations above normal in plasma also occur in patients with artificial joints made of aluminum. For patients who have long used artificial joints, they tend to have an aluminum concentration in the plasma> 10 ng / mL.

When should I undergo an aluminum test?

This test is used to measure aluminum concentration in patients with kidney failure. Usually, the doctor will do this test if you have symptoms of aluminum poisoning, such as:

  • bone disease
  • microcytic, hypochromic anemia
  • neurological disorders

This disease will worsen for patients undergoing dialysis.

Prevention & warning

What should I know before undergoing aluminum?

Several factors that can influence test results include:

  • this test uses a special blood tube that is different from other tests
  • most blood vessels use rubber caps made of aluminum silicate. Therefore, blood samples can be contaminated with aluminum when the tube cap is touched
  • Gadolinium or contrast media uses iod for 96 hours. This can affect the results of heavy metal tests, including aluminum tests

Pay attention to warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing aluminum?

The doctor will do a clinical examination before undergoing the test. Discuss with the doctor about certain preparations before the test. Make sure you tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking because certain types of drugs can affect the results of the test. You are recommended to use short-sleeved clothing to make it easier to take blood samples from your hands.

What is the aluminum process?

The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:

  • wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
  • clean the part to be injected with alcohol
  • inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
  • attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
  • remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
  • attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
  • put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage

What should I do after undergoing aluminum?

Some people may feel pain when a syringe is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will gradually disappear when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the expertise of the nurse, the condition of the arteries, and a person's sensitivity to pain. After going through the process of taking blood, wrap your hands in a bandage. Press the vein slowly to stop bleeding. After doing the test, you can do activities as usual. If you have questions about the test process, please consult a doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of Test Results

What do the test results mean?

Normal:

  • all ages: 0-6 ng / mL
  • patients (all ages) with hemofiltration: <60 ng / mL.

Abnormal:

If the index rises, you are likely to experience aluminum poisoning. The doctor will explain the results of this test and combine it with the results of other tests, including physical tests, to provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask the doctor for more information. The normal range for aluminum tests can vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Discuss with your doctor if there are questions about your test results.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Aluminum
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