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Overview

Chromium Test

Chromium Test

also known as: Cr, Urine

Chromium is a mineral that the human body uses in small doses for typical body functions like digesting food. It is also required by the body to move glucose into cells to use as energy and to turn carbohydrates, fats and proteins into energy. The test will determine the level of chromium in the body. This could also be used in the event that there has been a hazardous level of exposure at occupation sites such as tanning and steel manufacturing.

This test, unlike other common blood tests, does not require fasting. The test taker should stop taking mineral supplements and multivitamins for at least three days before the test. It is advisable for the test taker to inform their doctor or test provider about any testing done recently involving gadolinium or iodine, as it may interfere with the test. The doctor must also be informed of any other medications that the test taker is taking, pursuant to which the doctor will give specific instructions. It is advisable that the test taker wears a shirt or t-shirt which exposes the forearm or is loose enough to roll up, as the test site is the forearm.

A normal range of chromium levels are between 0.3 ng/mL to 0.9 ng/mL. The outcomes of the test can either be high or low levels of chromium. High levels can be an indication of low glucose levels, stomach or digestive trouble, liver or kidney damage, arrhythmia and dermatitis. Low levels can indicate that the person is suffering from high cholesterol, glaucoma, decreased white blood cell count, osteoporosis, nerve damage, muscle weakness and impaired coordination, irritability and depression. Once this is determined, high levels mean that the person must stop his exposure to such industries or reduce supplementary intake, and low levels will be prescribed supplements and dietary changes.

The drawing of blood is done in a test centre, clinic, hospital or at home if required, by a trained professional. The site for drawing blood is usually the inside of your elbow. The site is first rubbed with alcohol using a cotton pad. A disposable needle is then injected into a vein which can be prominently seen in the area, after which blood is drawn. This is then stored in a container with the details of the test taker. This sample is sent to the research facility for the results.

Specimen
Urine (random)
Volume
5 mL
Container
Plastic urine container, no preservative.
Type Gender Age-Group Value
Chromium
Unisex
All age groups
< 1.4 micrograms/ml

Table of Content

What is Chromium Test?
Preparation for Chromium Test
Uses of Chromium Test
Procedure for Chromium Test
Specimen Requirements
Normal values for Chromium Test
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Popular Questions & Answers

What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.

MBBS
General Physician, Durg
What are the possible causes of serious and continuous hiccup? Give me some possible remedies dear doctors.
If irritation start in stomach causes of infection in digestion hyperacidity hepatitis A gall bladder stone and more. Treatment depending on cause .you can take cap tzoy one cap one time a day, syp acivay 2 tsf 2 tims a day after meal.
5 people found this helpful

Doctor has diagnosed polycystic ovaries and has prescribed cor 3 tablet is it useful for polycystic ovaries treatment? Please help am worried and also trying for 2nd pregnancy.

Doctor of Medicine
General Physician, Surat
Doctor has diagnosed polycystic ovaries and has prescribed cor 3 tablet is it useful for polycystic ovaries treatment...
Polycestic ovaries may not need any treatment unless it is highly indicated, but most of the time hormone is tried, no specific treatment is there, of course you can try for pregnancy.
1 person found this helpful

I am with pcod, I drink lot of water but after drinking within half an hour I urge to urinate during day but night after sleep it won't disturb me so whether it is a problem or not?

I am with pcod, I drink lot of water but after drinking within half an hour I urge to urinate during day but night af...
It's good you take water but try to run n walk on regular basis around 4 km. It will help to solve your problem of pcod n urination.
1 person found this helpful

Is it good to take Patanjali Mukta Vati for high BP. Is it recommended for long term.

M.D. - Ayurveda, Post Graduate Proficiency In Panchakarma, Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
Ayurveda,
Is it good to take Patanjali Mukta Vati for high BP. Is it recommended for long term.
Ayurveda provides a holistic way of treatment. One should address other symptoms along with hypertension. Doctor should suggest diet lifestyle modifications if needed to a patient. This will eliminate cause for the disease. Further, Ayurveda advocates a personalized treatment. Though Mukta Vati is a formulation designed for the most common condition, it will not equally effective for all the patients. It may be more useful in certain disease conditions and in certain patients. Patient should leave choice of drug and overall treatment on Ayurveda expert. Otherwise if did not get result from Mukta vati you will start blaming Ayurveda. Accept Ayurveda to its fullest, not partially; if you expect sustainable results.

Popular Health Tips

These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

MD - General Medicine
Sexologist, Delhi
These Sexual Mistakes Compromise Penis Health!

When it comes to maintaining proper penis health, most men have a very good idea of what to do. They know all the basics of penis care, from taking care to wash properly to regularly inspecting the manhood to applying a high-quality penis health crème. But in the heat of the moment, when sexual fun is getting hot and heavy, a man might make a silly mistake. Those sexual mistakes can compromise penis health in a serious way.

Not sure what sexual mistakes might be a problem? Here's a list of the biggest issues a man might find himself doing when things are hot - and might regret when things cool off.

1. That lube isn't really lube. A man who is getting it on but suddenly realizes the need for lube might reach for whatever is handy, assuming a bottle of lube is not available - and sometimes that means he will try to use anything from shampoo or conditioner to lotion or cooking oils. Obviously these things are not meant for use as a sexual lubricant, and can lead to dry and cracked skin, irritation and more. Using lube designed specifically for the sexual purpose is always recommended.

2. The condom is too small. Though it is very important to always wrap it up before sexual activity, the wrapping itself might sometimes be the issue. Using a condom that is too small might lead to a little irritation in the heat of the moment, but a man can often ignore that for pursuit of pleasure. The aftermath is when things get rough, as the penis can develop small cuts, tears or even blisters from the use of a condom that is too tight. It pays to test out a variety of condoms to find the best fit.

3. There's been too much drinking. Sometimes a bit of inebriation can be a good thing, as it lowers inhibitions and can help both partners relax before the main event. But too much drinking can lead to serious problems, including trouble with getting it up or issues with stamina. But too much alcohol consumption can lead to even worse things, such as forgetting to use a condom or even suffering memory loss that leaves a man wondering just what happened the night before. Avoiding this is simple: don't drink too much before a bedtime romp.

4. Cleaning up is not a priority. There are plenty of bodily fluids sliding around during sexual activity, and much of that understandably winds up on a man's penis. From the natural lubrication that occurs during sex to the traces of spermicide in the condom, there can be several substances that linger. A man who doesn't clean off his penis after sex is asking for trouble, as those fluids can dry on the penis skin, leading to itching, irritation and redness, as well as a potential penis rash.

A man who pays attention to good penis care should always remember that caring for the penis extends to those moments when things are hot and heavy. Not only should a man be fully prepared for any sexual encounter, he should also be sure to take care to clean up well afterward. Maintaining good health should also include regular use of a high-quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Look for a crème that includes a multitude of vitamins and nutrients, such as vitamin A for odor-fighting properties, vitamin E to keep skin supple, and vitamin C to enhance sexual health. Amino acids such as L-arginine for blood vessel dilation and acetyl-L-carnitine for protection against peripheral nerve damage are also helpful. Combine it all in a Shea butter base and a man has the recipe for great penis health.

21 people found this helpful

Know The Ayurvedic Approach To Reversing Diabetes!!

Graduate of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (GAMS)
Ayurvedic Doctor, Panipat
Know The Ayurvedic Approach To Reversing Diabetes!!

Glucose is the primary ingredient within the body which is turned into an energy source. This is what we use when we move, walk or make the slightest movements. To metabolize glucose into energy, your body needs insulin, which is a hormone produced within the pancreas. However, if the body doesn't react to the insulin or the pancreas is unable to produce enough, glucose cannot be converted into energy and thus results in type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes

  1. Sudden or gradual weight loss despite increased hunger - Many people complain that they feel hungry and eat more, but despite this, tend to lose weight. This occurs as the body cannot metabolize glucose and uses energy reserves from fat or muscles leading to weight loss.
  2. Frequent infections and slow healing - If you are afflicted with Type 2 diabetes, then it might affect your immune system and you may be prone to infections. Also, any cuts or bruises on your body will take much longer to heal than normal.
  3. Irritability and fatigue - Another common symptom of type 2 diabetes along with the other symptoms mentioned here is quick irritability and fatigue. This is because most of the body is deprived of sugar and thus lacks the energy needed to function normally. 
  4. Constant thirst and increased urination - If you feel constantly thirsty despite drinking ample water and urinating frequently, this may be a tell tale sign of type 2 diabetes.
  5. Skin darkening in folds and creases of the body - Also known as acanthosis nigricans; this is a darkening of the skin where it also becomes velvety to the touch. It usually develops in the folds on skin in areas such as the neck and armpits and is a direct result of insulin resistance.

Causes of Type 2 diabetes

Some of the most common causes of Type 2 diabetes could be:

  1. Being overweight
  2. Lack of physical activity
  3. Genetic predisposition or family history 
  4. If you are more than 45 years of age
  5. Hormonal problems such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome

Reverse Diabetes

There three major factors that can help you prevent and reverse pre- and type II diabetes: proper diet and appropriate nutritional and herbal supplementation, exercise, and weight management.

  1. Diet: Proper diet is critical for both preventing and treating pre-and type II diabetes. One of the most important dietary precautions you can take is to eliminate all refined sugars and sugar products from your diet. Also reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol and caffeine; avoid fast, processed "junk" foods and soda, altogether; and eat protein snacks between meals.
  2. Eating According to the Glycemic Index: Another important dietary tip is eat meals that contains an abundance of low-glycemic (low-sugar) foods. By doing so you can significantly improve your body's ability to maintain low insulin and blood sugar levels. Low-glycemic foods include raw, organic leafy green vegetables, fruits that contain pits, sweet potatoes, yams, organic whole-grain breads and cereals, most legumes and nuts, skim and buttermilk, poultry, white fish, shellfish, and lean cuts of beef and veal.
  3. Nutritional and Herbal Supplements: In addition to a healthy diet, many people at risk for or who already have pre- or type II diabetes will also benefit from various nutritional and herbal supplements.
  4. Exercise: Regular exercise should be part of every diabetic's daily routine. Exercise in combination with a weight loss program has been proven to reduce the odds of developing diabetes by 58 percent among people who are at risk for the disease. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult with the doctor for diabetes ayurvedic treatment.
4522 people found this helpful

Male & Female Baldness - How Can It Be Treated?

MBBS, MD - Dermatology
Dermatologist, Ahmedabad
Male & Female Baldness - How Can It Be Treated?

One of the major problems with hair, especially as you age is the thinning of hair, which exposes the scalp, although it is regularly seen in younger people as well. The surprising thing is that baldness, which is primarily associated with men, can affect women as well.

Male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness tends to occur in the form of receding hairline that can be accompanied by loss of hair on the top of the head as well as the back. Some of the reasons for male patterns baldness are:

  • Genetic factors such as baldness among the male members within the family
  • Androgen hormonal issues
  • Surgery or major illness which may trigger hormonal changes

Male pattern baldness doesn't only affect men and is known to affect women as well. It is just a type of pattern, which is prevalent more among men although women with high levels of androgen are also known to suffer from it.

Female pattern baldness
The female pattern of baldness is quite different from male pattern baldness. Female pattern baldness primarily spreads from the parting of the hair and then follows a widening pattern. It is not as severe as male pattern baldness where patches may start growing or bald spots may develop. However, the area around the crown may start showing the scalp due to severe thinning. Some of the causes for this could be age, especially in women after 40, hormonal imbalances within the body and some of the similar issues with male pattern baldness as mentioned above.

Treatment
The treatment for male and female pattern baldness tends to be similar in many cases, although certain specific treatments may be administered in other cases. Some of the common treatments include:

1. Minoxidil solution of varying strengths
2. Hair replacement or transplant in certain cases
3. Spray or inked Cosmetics to cover up hair loss
4. Oral medications to kick start hair growth
5. Hair pieces and other appendages to hide bald spots etc.

With female pattern baldness, depending on the underlying factor, hormonal treatments may be required to resolve the problems. Once the underlying problem is resolved, topical and oral medicines can then help in hair re-growth. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dermatologist.

5057 people found this helpful

Ways To Prevent Hair Loss With Homeopathic Treatment!

BHMS
Homeopathy Doctor, Faridabad
Ways To Prevent Hair Loss With Homeopathic Treatment!

Growth of hair may occur either on its own or after a particular treatment, inducing hair growth. There are various treatments as well as solutions for preventing and treating hair fall. Loss of hair occurs due to various reasons, including fungal infection on the scalp, genetic reasons, head injury and extreme fever. Homeopathic treatment is one of the finest branches of medical treatments that have been proved to be highly effective in curing hair fall and in promoting growth of hair.

• Homeopathy is a stream of medications that has been there for a long time and prepared with herbal and mineral sources.
• Many practitioners recommend homeopathic treatment for a long-term solution of hair loss.

Some of the most effective homeopathic medications for hair loss include:

Silicea
• It is extracted from sandstones and human tissues.
• This medicine is very useful for strengthening the roots of hair and eliminating the dryness by offering total nourishment to the scalp and hair.
• Silicea is a growth enhancer and is one of the 12 tissue cell salts found in human beings.

Kalium carbonicum
• Kalium Carbonicum is a homeopathic medication that has been extracted from compounds that Egyptians used for preparation of glass.

• It is prescribed by homeopath practitioners all over the world to stop thinning and brittleness of hair, thereby promoting good hair growth.
• This medicine is good for individuals, who are orthodox in their belief.

Lycopodium
• Homeopathic experts recommend lycopodium for the prevention of premature balding.
• It is particularly suitable for pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, as hair fall is a common symptom at this stage.
• It is generally prepared by distilling the spores of some evergreen plants like club moss, which is popularly referred to as staghorn moss.

Natrum muriaticum
• The preparation of Natrum muriaticum is executed from sodium chloride, which is commonly known as table salt.
• This medication has been proven to be very effective, where hair loss is caused from dryness of scalp, dandruff problems, skin diseases and menstrual disorders.
• It can also treat hair loss caused from hormonal imbalances and is a great solution for people who react emotionally to loss of hair.

Though the homeopathic treatment regime is filled with hoards of medicines, it is crucial to consult an expert to know which treatment would work for you and refrain from administering medicines on your own. This will help you to reap the benefits of homeopathic treatments and have desired growth of hair.

2 people found this helpful

Health Tip!

GAMS-Ayurveda, MD-TCM
Sexologist, Faridabad
Health Tip!

Take two bananas every day with milk and honey.

4 people found this helpful