Get to know the aluminum test, which is commonly done in patients with kidney failure

Definition

What is the aluminum test?

The aluminum test is used to measure the level of aluminum in the blood. In normal people, aluminum is absorbed from the daily diet (5-10 mg) and excreted through the kidneys. However, the kidneys of patients with renal failure (RF) 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 levels of aluminum can cause aluminum to accumulate, fuse with albumin, then spread rapidly throughout the body, including the brain and bones. Aluminum accumulation in the brain is one of the causes of dementia. While in bone, aluminum will replace calcium so that bone tissue formation will be damaged. Above normal aluminum concentrations in plasma also occur in patients with artificial aluminum joints. For patients who have used the artificial joint for a long time, they tend to have a plasma aluminum concentration of> 10 ng / mL.

When should I have the aluminum test?

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

• bone disease
• microcytic, hypochromic anemia
• neurological disorders

This disease will get worse for patients on dialysis.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing aluminum?

Some of the factors that can affect the test results include:

• This test uses a special blood tube that is different from other tests
• Most blood tubes use rubber caps made of aluminum silicate. Therefore, the blood sample can become contaminated with aluminum if the lid of the tube is touched
• gadolinium or contrast media using iodine for 96 hours. It can affect the results of heavy metal tests, including the aluminum test

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

Process

What should I do before undergoing aluminum?

The doctor will conduct a clinical examination before undergoing the test. Talk to your doctor about certain preparations before the test. Make sure you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, as certain types of drugs can affect the test results. It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.

How to process aluminum?

The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:

• wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
• clean the area to be injected with alcohol
• inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
• Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
• untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
• sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
• apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

What should I do after undergoing aluminum?

Some people may experience pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain. After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual. If you have any questions regarding the test process, please consult your doctor for further instructions.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal:

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

Abnormal:

If the index goes up, you may have aluminum poisoning. The doctor will explain the results of these tests and combine them with other test results, including a physical exam, to provide an accurate diagnosis. You can ask the doctor for more details. The normal range for an aluminum test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.