Metals Profile – 1, Spot Urine

This test measures the levels of toxic metals –  mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium and chromium – in your urine.

• Detect if you have been exposed to harmful toxic metals.
• Monitor people who work in industries where there is a high risk of metal exposure.
• Assess the effectiveness of treatment for metal toxicity.
• Evaluate if you have chronic exposure to toxic metals.
• Diagnose certain diseases caused by toxic metal exposure.

Doctors usually recommend this test if you

• Work in industries where you might get exposed to harmful toxic metals.
• Have symptoms that suggest exposure to toxic metals such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or pain.
• Live in areas with high levels of environmental pollution.
• Have undergone treatment for metal toxicity.
• Have chronic exposure to toxic metals.
• Have certain medical conditions that are caused by toxic metal exposure.

Abnormal results could indicate that you have been exposed to toxic metals.  

The test requires a sample of spot urine collected in a metal-free, sterile container. The sample collection is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes. 

No special preparation is necessary for this test. However, please reach out to your healthcare provider for any specific requirements.

Other tests that may be ordered alongside Metals Profile – 1, Spot Urine include:

• Blood lead level testing: This measures the amount of lead in your blood.
• X-Ray or CT scan: This helps identify if there has been metal accumulation in organs or bones.
• CBC (Complete Blood Count): This blood test measures the number and quality of blood cells in your blood.

Toxic metals panel

Metal toxicity occurs when high levels of toxic metals accumulate in the body through various sources such as food, water, air pollution or occupational exposure. Over time, these toxic metals can cause damage to your organs and other body systems leading to chronic illnesses such as fatigue, headaches, kidney damage and even cancer.