What this test measures
Antimony testing by ICP-MS quantifies antimony concentration in blood or urine. Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid used in lead-acid battery alloys, flame-retardant additives (antimony trioxide in textiles, plastics, electronics), glass and ceramic manufacture, type metal, and historically in some traditional medicines (tartar emetic for leishmaniasis).
Occupational exposure occurs through inhalation of dusts or fumes during smelting, battery manufacture, and abrasive operations. Chronic exposure can cause pneumoconiosis ("antimony pneumoconiosis"), dermatitis, and cardiovascular effects. Acute exposure causes vomiting, diarrhoea and cardiac arrhythmias.
Why it matters
India's lead-acid battery industry is large (both formal and informal sectors) and antimony alloys are widely used. Antimony pentasulphide and trioxide are used in flame-retardant treatments for textiles and electronics — workers in these sectors face exposure. Informal recycling of batteries and electronic waste in India contributes to environmental antimony pollution.
This test is appropriate for occupational health surveillance of workers in battery manufacturing/recycling, flame-retardant production, smelting, ceramics, and abrasive operations. It is not appropriate as a routine wellness screen.
How to prepare
Stop multivitamin supplements for 72 hours. Use trace-element-free royal blue-top tubes (or trace-metal-free urine container). For occupational testing, sample at end of shift / end of workweek per OSHA/ACOEM biological monitoring protocols. Tell the lab about flame-retardant exposure, battery work, or any traditional antimony-containing medicine use.
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony (µg/L)[1][2] | Whole blood: < 1 µg/L · Urine: < 1 µg/g creatinine | Background — no significant exposure. | Elevated suggests occupational exposure. Review workplace controls (ventilation, respiratory protection). Symptoms may include chronic cough, dermatitis, cardiac symptoms. |
Antimony exposure sources
| Source | Workers at risk |
|---|---|
| Lead-acid battery manufacture / recycling | Battery workers, informal recyclers |
| Flame-retardant production / use | Textile, plastics, electronics workers |
| Ceramics and glass manufacture | Production workers |
| Smelting (lead/antimony alloys) | Smelter workers |
| Some traditional medicines (historical) | Patients on tartar emetic — rare today |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need fasting?
A 2-hour fast is sufficient. Stop supplements 72 hours before.
Why is antimony tested?
Almost always for occupational exposure — battery, flame retardant, smelter workers. Not a routine wellness test.
My level is high — what next?
Identify source (workplace), review respiratory and dermal protection, and recheck after exposure reduction.
Can antimony cause heart problems?
Acute high exposure can cause arrhythmias and ECG changes. Chronic moderate exposure is mainly respiratory and dermatological.
How long does the report take?
Typically 5–7 days.
Is antimony in plastic water bottles a concern?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles contain trace antimony catalyst residues but levels migrating into water are well below WHO drinking water guideline (20 µg/L) in normal use.
Related Toxicology / Trace Elements tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside ANTIMONY, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- ATSDR — Antimony Toxicological Profile · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- OSHA — Antimony Exposure · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- Mayo Clinic Labs — Antimony · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- ACGIH — Antimony TLV · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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