Examinations
Examinations
Nickel is a heavy metal, and its compounds can be toxic when accumulated in the body. Although nickel is present in the human body at very low concentrations, its physiological role remains unclear.
Sources of Nickel Exposure:
Nickel enters the body primarily through water and food. It is found in products such as:
- Tea, coffee, chocolate
- Beans, nuts
- Cabbage, spinach, potatoes
An average daily intake of 175 µg of nickel from food is not enough to cause intoxication. Air pollution is another source of nickel exposure.
- Non-smokers inhale about 0.1-0.25 µg of nickel per day.
- Workers in metallurgy may inhale over 1 µg daily.
- Smoking increases nickel intake by 0.0004 µg per day.
Nickel can also penetrate the skin and mucous membranes with prolonged contact with nickel-containing jewelry, coins, and stainless steel objects. While elemental nickel does not pass through intact skin, nickel chloride and sulfate can be absorbed up to 77%.
Diagnosis of Nickel Poisoning:
Nickel poisoning is diagnosed by measuring its concentration in the blood.
- Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test; drinking still water is allowed.
- Refrain from smoking for at least 30 minutes before the test.
- Testing should be done within 4 days after using iodine- or gadolinium-based contrast agents.
Symptoms of Nickel Poisoning:
Acute Nickel Poisoning (Nickel Carbonyl Poisoning):
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Cough
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Bleeding
- Pulmonary edema
- Pneumonia
- Brain swelling (cerebral edema)
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Depressed consciousness, up to coma
Chronic Nickel Poisoning:
- Nasal congestion, runny nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or asthma-like attacks
- Malignant tumors of the nasopharynx and lungs
Causes of Elevated Nickel Levels in Blood:
- Acute or chronic nickel intoxication
- Hemodialysis
A decreased nickel level in the blood has no diagnostic significance.
Factors That May Affect Test Results:
- Nickel levels may increase during hemodialysis.
- Testing should be conducted no later than 4 days after the use of iodine- or gadolinium-based contrast agents.