Test Background Manganese is a trace element that is an essential co-factor for several enzymes, including manganese superoxide dismutase, pyruvate carboxylase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. Manganese is typically measured to assess risk of toxicity due to industrial exposure or over-supplementation of Mn in patients on TPN. The symptoms of toxicity are largely neurological and are similar to Parkinson’s disease. Patients with Behçet disease, a form of chronic systemic vasculitis, also exhibit increased blood manganese, and it is suggested that increased activity of superoxide dismutase may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Clinical Indications
Occupational exposure
TPN for >3 months
Unexplained neurological symptoms
Reference Range Plasma: <10 nmol/L Whole blood: 80-200 nmol/L
Sample Required Whole Blood: EDTA trace element free (royal blue top) preferred, standard EDTA (lavender top) acceptable. Urine: sterile universal or plain 24hr collection
Sample Volume 0.5 mL
Turnaround Time 2 weeks