Sorted By Test Name - Mayo Medical Laboratories

VCRU
60575
be on the order of several days. Although there is minimal evidence for the nature of vanadium
complexation in the body, research suggests transferrin will bind available ionized vanadium. Currently,
there is no clinical data to support the need for taking vanadium supplements such as vanadyl sulfate,
vanadium colloid, or any other form. This test provides no information regarding any theoretical
vanadium deficiency. Vanadium has been recognized as an occupational hazard for >20 years. Elevated
atmospheric vanadium levels can result from burning fossil fuels with a high vanadium content.
Inhalation and ingestion are the primary exposure routes. Vanadium exposure can result in a metallic taste
and so-called "green tongue." Sensitization can result in asthma or eczema. Vanadium intoxication is
effectively treated with ascorbic acid. Increased vanadium serum concentrations are observed in dialysis
patients and those with compromised renal function since the kidney is primarily responsible for
vanadium elimination. Elevated serum vanadium levels have been observed in patients with joint
replacements; concentrations are likely to be increased above the reference range in patients with metallic
joint prosthesis. Prosthetic devices produced by Zimmer Company and Johnson & Johnson typically are
made of aluminum, vanadium, and titanium. Prosthetic devices produced by Depuy Company, Dow
Corning, Howmedica, LCS, PCA, Osteonics, Richards Company, Tricon, and Whiteside typically are
made of chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum. This list of products is incomplete, and these products
change occasionally; see prosthesis product information for each device for composition details.
Useful For: Detecting vanadium toxicity Monitoring metallic prosthetic implant wear
Interpretation: Values 5.0 ng/mL indicate probable exposure.
Prosthesis wear is known to result in increased circulating concentration of metal ions.(2-3) Modest
increase (1-2 ng/mL) in serum vanadium concentration is likely to be associated with a prosthetic device
in good condition. Serum concentrations >5 ng/mL in a patient with a vanadium-based implant suggest
significant prosthesis wear. Increased serum trace element concentrations in the absence of corroborating
clinical information do not independently predict prosthesis wear or failure.
Reference Values:
Normal: