Clinical Biochemistry – Change in sample requirements for trace metal tests
From Monday 21st September 2026, the sample requirements for Copper, Selenium, Zinc and Aluminium testing will change.
The specialist referral laboratory performing these analyses now requires all samples to be collected in a 7.5ml Trace Metal Lithium Heparin (orange-top) tube.
These tubes are certified for trace metal analysis and minimise the risk of trace metal contamination during sample collection.
Only Trace Metal Lithium Heparin tubes should be used for these tests from this date onwards. Requests sent without the Trace Metal Lithium Heparin tubes will be rejected and a further sample required.
Requests for Copper, Selenium, Zinc and Aluminium in ICE Order Comms will display the sample requirement as:
"7.5ml Trace Metal LH (orange)"
Trace Metal Lithium Heparin tubes can be ordered via the Pathology online ordering system for the GP and Pathology Order Form for the wards within the trust. For further information, please refer to the department's web-based handbook [1] or contact the Clinical Biochemistry laboratory at peh-tr.chemimm@nhs.net [2].
