Scotish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory
Scotland's specialised laboratory for trace elements and vitamins in health and disease
About the Laboratory
The Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory at Glasgow Royal Infirmary offers a specialised analytical and interpretation service - relating to essential trace elements, vitamins and toxic metals - to all NHS Scotland staff.
This service is supported financially by the National Services Division and is free of charge to NHS clinicians and NHS dentists.
This service can be divided as follows:-
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The measurement of zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, vitamins A, B1, B2 B6, C, E, and K in patients for nutritional assessment and for diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism.
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A service for monitoring exposure to aluminium in patients on renal dialysis in Scotland. Water samples are also monitored to ensure that purification equipment installed in hospital dialysis units and at houses for home dialysis is functioning adequately in removing aluminium.
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An assessment of exposure to antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lead, mercury, nickel and other toxic elements. This service is offered to the NHS to identify environmental and occupational exposure. Much of this work is from industry throughout the UK to assess exposure in the workplace.
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Dentists and staff in Scotland are monitored for exposure to mercury on a three-year basis. Advice is given on action to reduce the exposure.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary