Sorted By Test Name - Mayo Medical Laboratories

GALK
8628
associated with the nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in patients with impaired renal function. In this
syndrome, prolonged retention of gadolinium is thought to allow the gadolinium cation to dissociate from
its synthetic organic chelator and deposit predominantly in the skin, although other organs may be
affected as well. These patients are often severely debilitated by progressive skin thickening and
tightening. Fibrosis of skeletal muscle, lungs, liver, testes, and myocardium have all been observed, often
with fatal results. Because the ionic radius of gadolinium (3+) is similar to that of calcium (2+), it may
also deposit in bone. Three hemodialysis treatments are required to substantially remove gadolinium from
patients with impaired renal function; peritoneal dialysis is not effective.
Useful For: Diagnosis of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis by documenting gadolinium excretion in
excess of that typical for the time duration following exposure to contrast media
Interpretation: Elevated gadolinium (>0.5 mcg/g creatinine) observed in a random urine specimen
collected >96 hours after administration of gadolinium-containing contrast media indicates impaired
ability to eliminate gadolinium. These patients have an increased risk of developing nephrogenic systemic
fibrosis. A normal value is