Nickel is a silver-white metal that is used in many industries due to its specific properties.
Exposure to this metal can lead to lung, stomach and kidney damage, as well as an increased risk of cancer. These complications occur depending on the amount of nickel, the duration of exposure and the type of activity practiced, meaning that most problems tend to occur among people who work directly with this metal [1].
Because exposure to nickel can have severe consequences, learn from this article some tests you need to do once you are exposed to this metal!
Urine nickel test
Even though exposure to nickel occurs most frequently in the industrial environment, the general population can be exposed to smaller amounts through air, water, food, cigarette smoke, jewelry, etc. [2].
The test of nickel in urine can be used to determine exposure to this metal in the population or to monitor occupational exposure.
As this investigation may be affected by other substances such as gadolinium and iodine (commonly used in contrast tests), the doctor will ask some questions about your medical history and outline the steps needed to obtain the appropriate urine sample [3].
Blood test
While the urine test can determine exposure to this metal, the blood test is used to check the concentration level of toxicity.
This test will require a blood sample to be taken to show the concentration of the metal in the body.
Similar to the urine test, the high level of gadolinium and iodine could affect the accuracy of the results, which is why there will be a 96-hour wait before a suitable blood sample can be collected [4].
Lymphocyte transformation test (TLL)
This complex investigative method is used to identify allergies to various substances and metals, which cannot be obtained by other tests and analyses.
When there are no tests sensitive enough to determine the severity of the allergy, lymphocyte transformation will provide the necessary information by in vitro methods.
Most of the time these tests are performed for exposure to various metals, especially those from which the prostheses are made [5].
Why is testing for nickel important?
When it comes to the general population, the most common problem associated with nickel is allergy to this metal.
Exposure to nickel can cause contact dermatitis, which can manifest as rashes (eczema) on the area of skin that has been exposed.
Most cases of allergy are associated with jewelry (earrings, bracelets, chains), but also with touching other objects that may contain nickel, such as zippers, eyeglass frames, coins, etc.
The exact cause of nickel allergy is not known. This occurs when the immune system associates nickel with other harmful pathogens such as bacteria or viruses and begins to attack it.
If the body has developed an allergic reaction to this metal, then the immune system will always be sensitive to this agent, which is why regular tests should be carried out, especially when there is a risk of exposure [6].
When to resort to such tests?
It is recommended to make an appointment for a specialized medical consultation, if you have skin rashes that have no obvious causes.
Additionally, if you are already allergic to nickel, and the current treatment does not have the desired effect, then you should talk to your specialist doctor to recommend another therapeutic plan.
It is not advisable to delay consultation and tests because the rashes can become infected, which can lead to additional complications such as fever, pain, abscess, etc. [7].
Talk to your family doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms associated with nickel allergy, to perform the necessary tests and determine the exact cause!
References:
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“Nickel.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nickel/default.html. Data accesării: 19.11.2022
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“Nickel Compounds – Cancer-Causing Substances.” National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/nickel. Data accesării: 19.11.2022
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Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Neurology Catalog, neurology.testcatalog.org/show/NIU. Date of access: 19.11.2022
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“Test ID : NIS.” NIS – Overview: Nickel, Serum, www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/8622#Specimen. Date of access: 19.11.2022
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Hines, Stella E, et al. “The Role of Lymphocyte Proliferation Tests in Assessing Occupational Sensitization and Disease.” Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5854495/. Data accesării: 19.11.2022
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“Nickel Allergy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nickel-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351529. Data accesării: 19.11.2022
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“Nickel Allergy: Symptoms & Treatments.” Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17842-nickel-allergy#living-with. Data accesării: 19.11.2022
