Since excess manganese in the body characteristically accumulates in the brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal deposits in the basal ganglia. However, laboratory testing is usually the first step in detecting toxicity.
Blood/serum:
Since manganese is so ubiquitous, it is very easy to contaminate specimens. Proper collection and handling of specimens are critical for accurate measurements. Triple-Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry is now the standard method for measuring manganese. Since manganese can concentrate within cells, whole blood is the preferred specimen, with the measurement being performed after a cell lysis procedure.
Urine manganese:
Urine samples will reveal the presence of excess excretion of manganese. Usually, little to no manganese will be detected due to the poor absorption of this metal. Elevated levels suggest occupational exposure or excessive nutritional intake.
