Metal ION test

[claudia]

Hi,
I'm having issues with my resurfaced hip that was done about 28 months ago, Dr Gross.  Posted my issue under problems topics.  But I have an additional question regarding the metal ion test.  The script says it must be through a Quest Lab.  The problem is that 1. The quest labs in our area are the only ones doing covid testing and they also happen to be the dirtiest, nastiest labs in the area. 2. I do not want to expose myself to these labs.  They have always had a bad reputation in jacksonville and I am immune compromised so no way am I using them.   I have a Mayo clinic lab right around the corner that is not a public covid testing site.  I am a patient there as well.  From what I have read, the protocol is the same for drawing and processing the metal ion test using whole blood.  WHy must it be through Quest?  I seriously can't risk going there.  ANy feedback would be helpful.
Thanks

[stevel]

I requested the lab test through my regular doctor when I had my annual physical.  It was evaluated by MedTox Labs in St Paul, Mn.

[Angel Romero]

There really is nothing special about testing blood for cobalt and chromium they are standard metals to analyze for. Do you have a primary care Dr. you can ask?

Angel
Left hip - Biomet - Dr. Su 11-19-20

[claudia]

The RX that Dr Gross's office gives says that I MUST go to Quest Diagnostics only.  Not an insurance thing as I can go anywhere.  Just curious if anyone who has had Dr Gross do a resurfacing knows why he wants it from Quest?
Thanks

[jwall07]

Per Dr. Gross’ website: “ If patients use other labs, results may not be comparable.”  The site also says that before joint replacement surgery metal ion testing is done to establish a baseline for later comparison.  So it makes sense that if he used Quest Lab testing to get your baseline levels then using Quest now will give him the most informative data about your current ion levels.

[dannythebeerman]

Sounds like you have reasonable concern to go elsewhere for your test.  Did you ask Nancy Smith of his staff?

[imgetinold]

There are Quest labs everywhere.  Maybe it's worth an hour drive to go to a different one?  I'm sure they're not all the same.