Heavy Metals Profile I Urine Test
A Heavy Metals Profile I Urine Test monitors exposure to Arsenic, Mercury, and Lead.
Description
This test measures three common heavy metals (Arsenic, Lead, and Mercury) in the urine to screen for potential heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metals are natural metallic elements that can be potentially harmful if elevated levels. Therefore, these metals may also be referred to as toxic metals.
Low levels of heavy metals like iron and zinc are normally found in the body, as they are essential for good overall health. Due to normal exposure to certain foods, environments, or medications, small traces of other metals may be found in the body. However, overexposure to heavy metals can cause buildup and trigger potentially severe symptoms in those exposed.
Although heavy metal poisoning is rare in the U.S., individuals working in industrial settings or with products like pesticides and industrial chemicals are more likely to be exposed to high levels of heavy metals. Some of the most common heavy metals individuals working in these environments include:
- Arsenic is a natural element found in soil, minerals, treated lumber, and industrial chemicals (pesticides and herbicides). Individuals may also be exposed to arsenic through certain foods, drinking water, or the air. Individuals with arsenic poisoning may experience symptoms like a drastic change in the color of their skin, corns on the feet, small warts, or death in severe cases.
- Lead is a metallic element found commonly in nature, mainly due to mining and manufacturing. Individuals with careers like artists, auto mechanics, construction workers, painters, miners, gunsmiths, and welders may be at risk of high exposure to lead. Symptoms of lead poisoning may include organ failure, high blood pressure, infertility, nerve disorders, and muscle and joint pain.
- Mercury is an element often found in air, water, and soil. This element has many forms and can easily combine with other elements. Therefore, mercury is found in many products like glass thermometers, silver dental fillings, batteries, skin creams, and ointments. Mercury is also found in foods like fish, shellfish, and certain animals that mostly eat seafood. Mercury poisoning is characterized by brain and kidney damage.
Individuals may order this panel to help screen, diagnose, and monitor heavy metal exposure due to environment or workplace conditions.