What is the reference range for Manganese (Blood)?

The standard reference range for Manganese (Blood) is Whole-blood manganese typically 4–15 µg/L; occupational reference ranges are higher.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Manganese (Blood)?

Manganese (Blood) is measured in 2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Blood Metals Panel, Comprehensive Blood Elements.

Biomarker Reference · Mn

What does the Manganese (Blood) test measure?

Q: Why is Manganese (Blood) measured?

Blood manganese is ordered to investigate suspected neurotoxicity in workers with high inhalation exposure (welding fume, mining, battery manufacture) or in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition. Elevated levels correlate poorly with body burden because excretion is so tightly regulated, so neuroimaging (MRI T1 hyperintensity in the globus pallidus) often adds diagnostic value.

Manganese (Blood) (Mn) is a clinical biomarker used in heavy-metals-toxicology assessment. Manganese is an essential trace element, a cofactor for superoxide dismutase and other metalloenzymes. It is measured in 2 laboratory tests on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Whole-blood manganese typically 4–15 µg/L; occupational reference ranges are higher.
Units: µg/L, nmol/L
Measured In: 2 tests
Category: Heavy Metals

Functional medicine optimalOccupational surveillance typically targets whole-blood manganese <15 µg/L; lower values are typical in the general population.

What is Manganese (Blood)?

Manganese is an essential trace element, a cofactor for superoxide dismutase and other metalloenzymes. It is tightly regulated by biliary excretion; whole-blood levels reflect recent intake and occupational inhalation. Chronic excessive exposure — especially via inhalation in welders and miners — causes accumulation in the basal ganglia and a Parkinsonian syndrome (manganism).

Why is Manganese (Blood) measured?

Blood manganese is ordered to investigate suspected neurotoxicity in workers with high inhalation exposure (welding fume, mining, battery manufacture) or in patients on long-term parenteral nutrition. Elevated levels correlate poorly with body burden because excretion is so tightly regulated, so neuroimaging (MRI T1 hyperintensity in the globus pallidus) often adds diagnostic value.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Whole-blood manganese typically 4–15 µg/L; occupational reference ranges are higher.
Functional medicine optimal: Occupational surveillance typically targets whole-blood manganese <15 µg/L; lower values are typical in the general population.
Units: µg/L, nmol/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Manganese (Blood)

2 tests on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HMT-008Comprehensive

Blood Metals Panel

Manganese (Blood) reference range in this test: 4–15 µg/L (typical); assay- and population-dependent.

BML-HMT-013Comprehensive

Comprehensive Blood Elements

Manganese (Blood) reference range in this test: Whole-blood manganese typically 4–15 µg/L; occupational reference ranges are higher.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

Lead (Blood)Pb3 tests Mercury (Blood)Hg3 tests Cadmium (Blood)Cd4 tests Arsenic, BloodAs3 tests Aluminium (Blood)Al2 tests Chromium (Blood)Cr(III)/Cr(VI)3 tests Copper (Blood)Cu3 tests Zinc (Blood)Zn3 tests

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