Test Code GDS Gadolinium, Serum
Reporting Name
Gadolinium, SUseful For
Aiding in documenting past exposure to gadolinium-based contrast agents in serum specimens
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Patient Preparation: High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Supplies:
-Metal Free B-D Tube (No Additive), 6 mL (T184)
-Metal Free Specimen Vial (T173)
Collection Container/Tube: Royal blue-top (metal-free, no additive)
Submission Container/Tube: 7-mL Mayo metal-free, screw-capped, vial
Specimen Volume: 0.8 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Allow the specimen to clot for 30 minutes; then centrifuge the specimen to separate serum from the cellular fraction.
2. Remove the stopper. Carefully pour specimen into Mayo metal-free, screw-capped vial, avoiding transfer of the cellular components of blood. Do not insert a pipette into the serum to accomplish transfer, and do not ream the specimen with a wooden stick to assist with serum transfer.
3. See Trace Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport in Special Instructions for complete instructions.
Additional Information: If ordering the trace element blood collection tube from BD, order catalog #368380.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | METAL FREE |
Ambient | 14 days | METAL FREE | |
Frozen | 14 days | METAL FREE |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
<0.5 ng/mL
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Thursday; 8 a.m.
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83018
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
GDS | Gadolinium, S | 80912-9 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
29251 | Gadolinium, S | 80912-9 |
Clinical Information
Gadolinium is a member of the lanthanide series of the periodic table of elements and is considered a nonessential element. Due to its paramagnetic properties, chelated gadolinium is commonly employed as contrast media (gadolinium-based contrast agents: GBCA) for magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography scanning.
Gadolinium is primarily eliminated via the kidneys, so exposure can be prolonged in patients with renal insufficiency. Patients with reduced renal function and some patients with normal renal function may exhibit a prolonged gadolinium elimination half-life.
To date the only known adverse health effect related to gadolinium retention is a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF). NSF is a relatively uncommon condition in which fibrous plaques develop in the dermis and often in deeper connective tissues. Reported cases have occurred almost exclusively in patients with severe renal disease, and almost all have been associated with prior use of GBCAs. NSF is a painful skin disease characterized by thickening of the skin, which can involve the joints and cause significant limitation of motion within weeks to months. Over the past decade, changes in clinical practice guidelines have almost completely eliminated the incidence of NSF. However, the association of NSF and observed elevated gadolinium concentrations is still not fully understood.
Analytic Time
1 dayReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
NY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.