Monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear and local tissue destruction in failed hip arthroplasty constructs
This test is not useful for assessment of potential chromium toxicity.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Chromium (Cr)
Cr (Chromium)
Synovial Fluid
Patient Preparation: High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry-based metal tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for at least 96 hours.
Supplies: Metal Free B-D Tube (EDTA), 6 mL (T183)
Container/Tube: Royal blue top (metal-free EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions.
Additional Information: Chromium is present in the black rubber plunger seals found in most disposable syringes. As a result, synovial fluid should not be collected in these devices as contamination may occur.
0.4 mL
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Synovial Fluid | Refrigerated (preferred) | 90 days | |
Ambient | 90 days | ||
Frozen | 90 days |
Monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear and local tissue destruction in failed hip arthroplasty constructs
This test is not useful for assessment of potential chromium toxicity.
Chromium (Cr) is a naturally-occurring element widely distributed in the environment. It exists in several valence states with the 3 main forms being Cr(0), Cr(III), and Cr(VI). Cr(III) is an essential trace element that enhances the action of insulin. Deficiency leads to impaired growth, reduced life span, corneal lesions, and alterations in carbohydrates, lipid, and protein metabolism.
Chromium is widely used in manufacturing processes to make various metal alloys, such as stainless steel. It is also used in many consumer products, including wood treated with copper dichromate, leather tanned with chromic sulfate, and metal-on-metal hip replacements.
Per US Food and Drug Administration recommendations, orthopedic surgeons should consider measuring and following serial chromium concentrations in EDTA anticoagulated whole blood in symptomatic patients with metal-on-metal hip implants as part of their overall clinical evaluation. However, a recent publication(1) has shown synovial fluid measurements were superior to whole blood and serum chromium concentrations in predicting local tissue destruction in failed hip arthroplasty constructs.
Prosthetic devices produced by Depuy Company, Dow Corning, Howmedica, LCS, PCA, Osteonics, Richards Company, Tricon, and Whiteside are typically made of chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum. This list of products is incomplete, and the products' compositions change occasionally; see each prostheses' product information for composition details.
The general population is most likely to be exposed to trace levels of chromium, as Cr(III) is naturally occurring in foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beverages, and meats. The highest potential occupational exposure occurs in the metallurgy and tanning industries, where workers may be exposed to high air concentrations. In cases of suspected toxicity, blood, serum, or urine concentrations of chromium can be checked.
0-17 years: Not established
> or =18 years: <16.9 ng/mL
Based on an internal study, synovial fluid chromium concentrations of 16.9 ng/mL or above were more likely due to a metal reaction (eg, adverse local tissue reaction [ALTR]/adverse reaction to metal debris [ARMD]) versus a nonmetal reaction in patients undergoing metal-on-metal revision (sensitivity of 92.3% and specificity of 92.6%).
This test is intended for monitoring of metallic prosthetic implant wear and should not be ordered to assess potential chromium toxicity.
Chromium is present in the environment at 100-fold to 1000-fold higher concentration than found in biological tissues. Reports of increased chromium could be due to external contamination. Metal-free blood collection procedures must be followed. Elevated trace element concentrations in the absence of corroborating clinical information do not independently predict prosthesis wear or failure.
This test should only be used in individuals with metallic prosthetic implants. The significance of chromium concentrations in synovial fluid in patients without implants is unknown.
1. Houdek MT, Taunton MJ, Wyles CC, Jannetto PJ, Lewallen DG, Berry DJ. Synovial fluid metal ion levels are superior to blood metal ion levels in predicting an adverse local tissue reaction in failed total hip arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2021;36(9):3312-3317.e1. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2021.04.034
2. Eltit F, Assiri A, Garbuz D, et al. Adverse reactions to metal on polyethylene implants: Highly destructive lesions related to elevated concentration of cobalt and chromium in synovial fluid. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2017;105(7):1876-1886. doi:10.1002/jbm.a.36057
3. Lass R, Grubl A, Kolb A, et al. Comparison of synovial fluid, urine, and serum ion levels in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty at minimum follow-up of 18 years. J Orthop Res. 2014;32(9):1234-1240. doi:10.1002/jor.22652
4. De Pasquale D, Stea S, Squarzoni S, et al. Metal-on-metal hip prostheses: Correlation between debris in the synovial fluid and levels of cobalt and chromium ions in the bloodstream. Int Orthop. 2014;38(3):469-475. doi:10.1007/s00264-013-2137-5
The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Friday
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
82495
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CRSY | Chromium, Synovial Fl | 95526-0 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
606353 | Chromium, Synovial Fl | 95526-0 |