Questions and answers

One test tube is enough for metal analysis. ALS in Scandinavia uses a multi-element technique (ICP-SFMS) that allows us to measure up to 70+ elements in a single sample.

If you would like to place an order for analysis of both metals, element speciation and/or isotope analysis, larger volumes will be required.

Please contact us. ALS is one of the world’s biggest testing service providers. We have a broad network of laboratories and may therefore be able to assist you in working with a laboratory in our network that can provide the analysis you are looking for.

Yes, all sample containers that can be used for sampling clinical samples can be ordered through our website. Please follow this link.

Test tubes can also be ordered by contacting us. 

Yes, please see sampling instructions for clinical samples.

Recommended sample amounts for metal analysis of clinical samples are found in our web catalog. Please click here (new window).

ALS can perform analyses on significantly less volumes than is recommended. There are two main reasons why we recommend our clients send more than the minimum volume:

1. In case something unexpected should occur or if you would request an additional test, it is practical not having to send new samples to the laboratory.
2. It may be practically challenging to pipette small sample amounts; it is therefore good to have enough of a margin to help ensure that we are able to obtain the prescribed sample volume.

For more information, please see our sampling instructions.

All testing of metals in clinical samples is performed at our laboratory in Luleå, Sweden. Shipping address and contact details are found here.

Samples stored in transportation tubes can usually be sent in padded envelopes to ALS.

All envelopes or parcels containing biological samples must be labelled UN3373 and Biological material category B.

ALS generally recommends avoiding shipping samples over weekends and that samples are cooled/frozen during transport (see recommendations for each specific sample type). If samples for metal analysis are transported in ambient temperature, freight time should not exceed 2 workdays and not be transported via warm regions. For blood shipped in ambient temperature, it is important that samples are homogenized to avoid coagulation.

ALS offers accredited analyses of all the matrices mentioned. It is a matter for medical professionals to decide which sample type to send for analysis.

The concentration of certain elements will vary between blood and serum. Iron, lead, cadmium and mercury, for example, will generally be higher in blood since those elements are protein-bound.

Blood plasma (or plasma) is the remainder of the blood when all cells have been removed. Blood plasma is 90 % water and its function is to transport numerous substances to the cells.

Serum is a yellowish, transparent fluid, comprised of the remainder of a coagulated blood sample  in which the corpuscles and coagulation proteins have been removed.

ALS recommends that samples shipments are planned, so that the samples arrive to ALS as quickly as possible. Samples drawn at the end of the week should be stored in a refrigerator or freezer over the weekend. Please see our sampling instructions for more information about storage recommendations for different sample types.

Yes, this information should be stated on the order form that is sent along with the sample(s) to ALS.

No, our staff are experts in performing metal analyses of clinical samples but cannot be responsible for maintaining up-to-date reference values for all elements since this is an area in constant change. For such reference values, we refer clients to professionals such as doctors and/or toxicologists. The concentrations of different metals in clinical samples may vary due to several factors such as geographic residence, food, gender or if they are smokers or non-smokers. Consequently, reference values vary between different studies.