Manganese Blood Test
Short Name: Mn Blood Test
Also known as: Serum Manganese Test, Blood Manganese Level, Mn Blood Test, Whole Blood Manganese Assay, Manganese ICP-MS Test
Manganese Blood Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) on Whole Blood samples. Results in Sample collection by 6 PM daily. Digital report available next working day via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Manganese Blood Test is to quantify the concentration of manganese in whole blood to detect both deficiency and excess. This test is essential for evaluating central nervous system symptoms that mimic Parkinson's disease in individuals with occupational manganese exposure. It is also used for therapeutic monitoring in patients with cirrhosis, those on parenteral nutrition, individuals with suspected environmental exposure to manganese, and patients with nutrition-related manganese toxicity. The test further assists in evaluating Behçet's disease and serves as the recommended test for monitoring treatment response.
- Test Code
- 1212
- CPT Code
- 83785
- ICD Code
- E61.2
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Whole Blood
- Result Time
- Sample collection by 6 PM daily. Digital report available next working day via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Sample Collection
Patients must refrain from taking any vitamins, mineral supplements, or herbal supplements for at least one (1) week prior to specimen collection. If Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media has been administered (e.g., during MRI or CT scans), specimen collection should be postponed for at least 96 hours. No fasting is required unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
Method: Venipuncture using powderless gloves; metal-free collection tube
Laboratory Analysis
Blood is drawn via standard venipuncture technique. The phlebotomist must use powderless gloves to prevent manganese contamination. A 4 mL (2 mL minimum) whole blood sample is collected into a metal-free Royal Blue Top (K2EDTA) tube. Proper labelling and chain of custody must be maintained.
Report Delivery
After collection, gently invert the tube 8–10 times. Store and ship the sample refrigerated (2–8°C). Do NOT freeze the sample. The sample is stable at room temperature for up to 6 hours and in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Results are typically available the next working day after sample receipt by 6 PM.
Timeline: Sample collection by 6 PM daily. Digital report available next working day via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Manganese Blood Test is to quantify the concentration of manganese in whole blood to detect both deficiency and excess. This test is essential for evaluating central nervous system symptoms that mimic Parkinson's disease in individuals with occupational manganese exposure. It is also used for therapeutic monitoring in patients with cirrhosis, those on parenteral nutrition, individuals with suspected environmental exposure to manganese, and patients with nutrition-related manganese toxicity. The test further assists in evaluating Behçet's disease and serves as the recommended test for monitoring treatment response.
How to Prepare
- Avoid vitamins, mineral supplements, and herbal supplements for one (1) week before the test
- If Gadolinium or Iodine contrast media was administered, wait at least 96 hours before collection
- Use only powderless gloves during specimen collection to prevent contamination
- Collect 4 mL (2 mL minimum) whole blood in a metal-free Royal Blue Top (K2EDTA) tube
- Invert the tube gently 8–10 times after collection
- Ship refrigerated – do NOT freeze
- Label the specimen correctly with patient details and collection time
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Manganese is an essential trace element required as a cofactor for enzymes such as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), arginase, and pyruvate carboxylase. While dietary deficiency is uncommon, occupational exposure in mining, welding, and ferroalloy industries can lead to manganism—a condition clinically resembling Parkinson's disease. Blood manganese levels measured by ICP-MS provide a reliable assessment. Patients presenting with unexplained neurological symptoms, extrapyramidal features, or a history of industrial exposure should be evaluated promptly. Therapeutic monitoring in patients with cirrhosis or on long-term parenteral nutrition is also warranted."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample collected in a non-metal-free tube (standard EDTA or heparin tube)
- Hemolyzed specimen
- Sample collected less than 96 hours after Gadolinium or Iodine contrast media administration
- Sample collected within one week of vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplement use
- Frozen specimen
- Sample received after 48 hours of collection without refrigeration
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 2 mL)
- Contaminated or improperly labelled specimen
Understanding Your Results
Low Manganese – May indicate nutritional deficiency, malabsorption, or inadequate dietary intake. Can be associated with impaired wound healing, bone abnormalities, metabolic disturbances, and fatigue. Clinical correlation with dietary history and gastrointestinal evaluation is recommended.
Range: Below 4.0 µg/L
Normal Range – Manganese levels are within the physiological reference range. No immediate deficiency or toxicity concern based on this parameter alone.
Range: 4.0 – 15.0 µg/L
Elevated Manganese – May suggest early or mild overexposure. Repeat testing and occupational/environmental exposure assessment are recommended. Monitor for early neurological symptoms.
Range: 15.1 – 25.0 µg/L
Significantly Elevated Manganese – Strongly suggestive of manganese toxicity (manganism). Associated with neurological symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease including tremor, rigidity, gait disturbance, and cognitive impairment. Immediate clinical evaluation, cessation of exposure, and neuroimaging (MRI brain) are recommended. Consultation with a neurologist and occupational medicine specialist is advised.
Range: Above 25.0 µg/L
Consult your doctor if your manganese blood test results are outside the normal range (below 4.0 µg/L or above 15.0 µg/L), or if you experience any symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, difficulty walking, memory problems, fatigue, loss of appetite, or impaired wound healing. If you have a history of occupational exposure to manganese (mining, welding, battery manufacturing) or chronic liver disease, seek medical evaluation even with borderline results. Early detection and intervention can prevent long-term neurological damage.
Limitations
- ⚠Whole blood manganese reflects recent exposure and may not represent tissue manganese stores
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical history, occupational exposure, and imaging findings
- ⚠Manganese levels may vary with dietary intake and supplement use
- ⚠This test does not differentiate between intracellular and extracellular manganese
- ⚠Single-point measurements may not capture chronic low-level exposure
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or swelling at the venipuncture site
- ●Slight pain or discomfort during needle insertion
- ●Very rare risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Fainting or dizziness in individuals sensitive to blood draws
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent intake of vitamin, mineral, or herbal supplements within one week of collection
- ●Administration of Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media within 96 hours of specimen collection
- ●Contamination from non-metal-free collection equipment or tubes
- ●Use of non-powderless gloves during specimen collection
- ●Hemolysis of the blood sample
- ●Contamination from external manganese sources (dust, industrial particles on skin)
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Manganese Blood Test | Heavy Metal Profile | Serum Copper Test | Liver Function Test (LFT) | MRI Brain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Manganese Blood Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Manganese Blood Test?
Why is the Manganese Blood Test important?
What is the cost of the Manganese Blood Test at DNA Labs India?
What is the normal range of manganese in blood?
Do I need to fast before the Manganese Blood Test?
What should I avoid before the Manganese Blood Test?
Who should get a Manganese Blood Test?
What are the symptoms of manganese deficiency?
What are the symptoms of manganese toxicity (manganism)?
How is the Manganese Blood Test performed?
How long does it take to get the Manganese Blood Test results?
Is home sample collection available for the Manganese Blood Test?
Reference Laboratory Services
We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
Your Data Privacy
Your medical data is protected under Indian law.
✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.
✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.
Book Your Test
Enter your details and we'll connect you within 15 minutes.