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

Background/aimsCobalt 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.MethodsWe measured cobalt and chromium concentrations in plasma, serum, and whole blood samples of patients with resurfacing MOM hips.ResultsWe 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.ConclusionWe, therefore, suggest that in future cobalt and chromium concentrations shall be reported using plasma samples.