Notice: This test kit is not available for purchase by residents of New York due to state restrictions. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Quick Facts
- Sample: 24-hour urine collection (at-home)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 5–6 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive screening — Analyzes 20 toxic metals using advanced mass spectrometry
- Convenient home collection — No clinic visits or appointments needed
- Private, confidential results — Secure delivery with results interpretation
- Monitor detox therapy — Effective for evaluating chelation treatment progress
- Early detection — Identify hidden metal exposure before serious health issues develop
- Cost-effective testing — Avoid clinic fees and lengthy wait times
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with unexplained fatigue, cognitive issues, or neurological symptoms
- People with known occupational or environmental heavy metal exposure
- Those experiencing cardiovascular, kidney, or immune system problems
- Patients beginning or monitoring metal detoxification therapies
- Health-conscious individuals seeking proactive toxic metal screening
- Anyone with gastrointestinal symptoms potentially linked to metal toxicity
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — Purchase your test kit and receive collection materials at home
- Collect sample — Follow simple instructions to collect all urine over 24 hours
- Get results — Ship sample back and receive confidential results in 5–6 days
FAQ
What metals does this test measure? The test analyzes 20 toxic metals including aluminum, arsenic, lead, mercury, cadmium, barium, gadolinium, uranium, and others using advanced laboratory techniques.
How accurate is urine testing for metal toxicity? Urine is the recommended sample type for detecting recent or ongoing metal exposure, especially effective when monitoring detoxification therapy progress (ATSDR 2023).
Do I need a doctor's order for this test? No doctor's order required. You can purchase directly online, though results should be reviewed with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation.
Can this test detect chronic metal exposure? Yes, this test is specifically designed to assess both recent exposure and chronic metal retention in body tissues over time.
Is chelation medication included in the kit? No, chelation agents are not included. Consult your physician about metal detoxification medications like EDTA, DMSA, or DMPS if needed.
How should I prepare for this test? Avoid fish and shellfish for 1 week before collection, stop non-essential supplements 48 hours prior, and wait 96 hours after gadolinium MRI contrast.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This 24-hour urine test evaluates your body's exposure to potentially toxic metals and monitors the effectiveness of metal detoxification therapies. The test measures net retention of toxic elements by analyzing urine samples before and after chelation therapy. Chronic, low-level exposure to toxic metals is common and can lead to substantial body retention associated with various adverse health effects (CDC 2024). Unlike acute metal poisoning, which is rare, chronic exposure requires assessment of net retention to draw valid conclusions about potential health impacts.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals with possible environmental or occupational exposure to heavy metals, those experiencing unexplained neurological, cardiovascular, or kidney symptoms, and patients beginning or monitoring detox regimens (Mayo Clinic 2024). Healthcare providers recommend testing for people with chronic fatigue, cognitive decline, hypertension, immune dysfunction, or gastrointestinal complaints that may be linked to metal toxicity. The test is also valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of chelation therapy and assessing baseline metal levels before treatment.
When should I order a Toxic Metals 24-Hour Urine Test Kit?
Order this test if you're experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive issues, abdominal pain, muscle weakness, or gastrointestinal complaints. Consider testing after known or suspected exposure to heavy metals through occupation, environment, or contaminated water sources. The test is also recommended for baseline assessment and follow-up monitoring during chelation therapy (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2023). Early detection is crucial since 3–4% of U.S. adults have elevated blood lead levels, with chronic low-level mercury and arsenic exposure remaining a public health concern.
How do I interpret the results?
Compare your metal concentrations to the provided reference ranges. Elevated values suggest significant exposure or retention requiring further evaluation.
Within reference range
- What it means: Normal exposure/excretion
- Typical action: Continue monitoring if needed
Slightly elevated
- What it means: Possible recent exposure
- Typical action: Identify and reduce exposure sources
Moderately elevated
- What it means: Significant exposure or retention
- Typical action: Consult healthcare provider for evaluation
Highly elevated
- What it means: Substantial metal burden
- Typical action: Medical intervention may be necessary
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Avoid fish and shellfish for at least one week before collection as they can temporarily elevate mercury and other metal levels. Stop non-essential supplements and medications 48 hours prior with physician approval. Wait 96 hours after MRI if gadolinium contrast was used. Do not collect urine during menstruation. Discard the first void of the day, then collect all urine for the following 24 hours, including the first void of the next morning. Store the specimen refrigerated until ready to ship. Ship to lab Monday-Thursday only.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Baseline test, then annually if normal
- Known exposure: Every 3–6 months until levels normalize
- During chelation therapy: Before and after each treatment cycle
- High-risk occupation: Every 6–12 months for monitoring
- Chronic symptoms: Every 6 months until resolved
Why early detection matters
Early detection of metal toxicity can prevent irreversible cardiovascular, renal, and neurological damage while reducing long-term healthcare costs (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2023). Childhood lead exposure alone costs the U.S. over $50 billion annually in associated health and social costs. Chronic low-level exposure often goes undetected until significant health problems develop. Direct-to-consumer metal testing has increased by 30% in recent years due to growing public awareness of environmental toxin risks (Lab Industry Analytics 2024).
Related tests you may consider
Essential Elements Urine Test — Assesses nutritional deficiencies in important minerals that influence metal toxicity risk and overall health status.
Whole Blood Elements Test — Provides blood-based assessment for acute or ongoing exposure, particularly useful for metals like lead and mercury.
Hair Elements Test — Evaluates long-term chronic exposure to toxic and essential elements stored in hair tissue, complementing urine testing for comprehensive exposure assessment.
