Differences in concentration of metal debris in blood, serum, and plasma samples of patients with metal-on-metal hip resurfacing arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cobalt and chromium are released from MOM hips and their precise nature (ions/particles) is not known. Their distribution in serum, plasma, and whole blood may help to determine their nature. METHODS: We measured cobalt and chromium concentrations in plasma, serum, and whole blood samples of patients with resurfacing MOM hips. RESULTS: We found that chromium concentration was highest in plasma, followed by serum and whole blood. Chromium and cobalt concentrations were higher in serum and plasma, compared to whole blood. CONCLUSION: We, therefore, suggest that in future cobalt and chromium concentrations shall be reported using plasma samples.