Thallium Urine Spot Test

The Thallium Urine Spot Test measures the level of thallium present in your urine.

This test is mainly done to detect the level of exposure to thallium in the body. Other reasons include the following:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for thallium poisoning
• To diagnose and monitor other conditions that affect metal toxicity levels
• To assess the risk of developing chronic thallium toxicity 

Your doctor might recommend this test if you have:

• A history of exposure to thallium through industrial work.
• Symptoms suggestive of thallium poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, or hair loss.
• A heavy intake of food or beverages contaminated with thallium.

The test is also performed in suspected cases of criminal poisoning with thallium.

High levels of thallium indicate exposure to thallium through industrial work or a heavy intake of contaminated food or beverages. 

During this test, you will be asked to provide a urine sample in a sterile container. This is a non-invasive test.

While there are no specific preparations needed, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider to determine if there are any particular requirements you should be aware of.

Other tests that may be ordered alongside the Thallium Urine Spot Test include the following:

• Blood tests to measure heavy metal toxicity levels 
• Hair analysis to detect long-term exposure to thallium 
• X-rays and other imaging studies to evaluate organ damage due to thallium exposure 

Urinary thallium test

Thallium poisoning occurs when an individual is exposed to high levels of thallium through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. This can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rashes, hair loss, nerve damage, and even death.