Nickel (Nicolum; Ni) is a heavy metal that occurs as a trace element in the human body.
Nickel can be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract as well as the respiratory tract.
It is assumed that nickel is particularly important for carbohydrate and iron metabolism.
Contact with the metal often leads to an allergic reaction, which is usually accompanied by skin changes such as a rash and itching. Inhalation of nickel compounds in dust form can lead to pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs).
Nickel poisoning may cause the following symptoms:
- Allergic skin reactions (“contact dermatitis“).
- Feeling of anxiety
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Headache
- Pulmonary edema – accumulation of water in the lungs.
- Pneumonia, interstitial (form of pneumonia).
- Irritative cough
- Dizziness
- Nausea/vomiting
In addition, long-term exposure to nickel can cause malignant neoplasms such as bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer).
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
- EDTA blood
- 24h collection urine
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- Not known
Normal values – blood serum/EDTA blood
| Normal value in μg/l | 0,2-0,5 |
| Limit value in μg/l | 1 |
Normal values – urine
| Normal value in μg/l | 2,0-5,0* |
| Limit value in μg/l | 3* |
| BAT value* * in μg/l | 45 |
* German adult general population has urinary nickel concentrations less than3 μg/l.* * BAT value: biological agent tolerance value.
Indications
- Suspected nickel poisoning
Interpretation
Interpretation of lowered values
- Not relevant to disease
Interpretation of elevated values
- Occupational exposure
Further notes
- The biological half-life is:
- Blood: 20-34 h
- Urine: 17-39 h