Specimen requirements
For blood or plasma manganese measurement, blood should be collected into an 8 ml trace element-free
potassium EDTA tube. Collection tubes and needles can be supplied by Biolab. If a number of blood tubes
are being taken at the same collection, the trace element-free tube should be filled first to avoid crosscontamination.
Postal samples (overnight delivery) are acceptable.
A 24 hour urine collection is preferred for urine manganese determination, but a 6 hour urine collection is
acceptable. The total volume of urine collected should be recorded and, after mixing, 15 mL of urine
should be sent to Biolab in a plastic, screw cap container. A postal sample kit can be supplied.
For hair analysis, hair should be cut from the nape of the neck, as close to the scalp as possible. At least
0.5gm of hair is required, which is about one heaped tablespoon full. Only hair up to 1½“ (4cm) from scalp
can be used. Please allow for this when the hair is long by sending in a larger total sample, for example 2
tablespoons-full of hair.
For water analysis, 20 mL of water should be sent in a plastic, screw cap container (available from Biolab). If
the domestic water supply is being tested, water should be taken from the initial run of the tap first thing in
the morning (i.e. after the water has been in contact with the fixtures and fittings for more than 6 hours).