Quick Facts
- Sample: Dried blood spot from finger-stick, collected on filter paper at home
- Fasting: Not required; avoid seafood 48 hours before collection
- Turn-around: Results within 3-7 business days from specimen receipt. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Detect heavy metal exposure without leaving home
- Monitor essential mineral levels to support immune and metabolic health
- Simple finger-stick collection suitable for children and adults
- Assess nutrient status and toxic exposure in one comprehensive panel
- Stable samples ship safely at room temperature without special packaging
- Early detection can prevent serious neurologic and renal damage
Who Is This Test For?
- People living in older homes with potential lead exposure
- Workers in welding, battery, mining, or manufacturing industries
- High consumers of certain fish concerned about mercury levels
- Those with chronic conditions affecting nutrient absorption
- Anyone on long-term supplementation wanting objective mineral status feedback
- Health-conscious individuals monitoring micronutrient and environmental exposures
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order and receive kit at home – Complete your order online, receive the dried blood spot collection card, instructions, and pre-paid return shipping.
- Collect a small blood sample – Wash your hands, use the provided lancet for a finger-stick, and allow several drops to soak into the marked circles on the filter paper card.
- Mail and get results – Let the card air-dry completely, seal it in the protective envelope, and mail using the provided packaging; results are delivered securely online.
FAQ
What exactly does this test measure? The B-224 panel measures seven key elements: four essential minerals (zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium) that support immune function and metabolism, and three toxic heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury) that may indicate exposure or health risk.
How reliable are dried blood spot results? ICP-MS dried blood spot methods show good agreement with traditional blood draws when properly extracted and analyzed, with recovery rates of 80–130% and repeatability below 15%, making them suitable for accurate individual and population assessments.
Do I need to fast before collection? No strict fasting is required for element testing. However, avoid seafood for at least 48 hours before collection to prevent temporary elevation of mercury and other metals from diet alone.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results should be reviewed with a healthcare provider in the context of your symptoms, exposure history, and age. Low essential elements may prompt dietary changes or supplementation; elevated toxic metals may require exposure reduction or further evaluation.
How soon will I get my results? Most results are available within 3-7 business days after the lab receives your sample. Exact timing depends on the testing service and current lab volume.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The B-224 ICPMS Toxic and Essential Elements test assesses levels of critical minerals and potential toxic exposures from a tiny home-collected blood sample. It helps identify deficiencies in zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium—nutrients vital for immune function, energy, and antioxidant defense—and detects cadmium, lead, and mercury exposure that may affect long-term health and development.
What biomarkers are measured in this test?
- Zinc (Zn) – Essential trace element supporting immune function, wound healing, and enzyme activity
- Copper (Cu) – Essential trace element important for iron metabolism and connective tissue formation
- Magnesium (Mg) – Macro-mineral involved in hundreds of enzymatic reactions, energy production, and nerve function
- Selenium (Se) – Essential trace element required for antioxidant defense and thyroid hormone metabolism
- Cadmium (Cd) – Toxic metal associated with kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular disease
- Lead (Pb) – Toxic metal with no safe exposure level; linked to neurologic and developmental effects
- Mercury (Hg) – Toxic metal causing neurologic and renal toxicity; reflects recent exposure
Who would benefit from this test?
Ideal candidates include occupational workers with metal exposure, residents of older homes with potential lead, high consumers of certain fish, people with absorption disorders, those on long-term supplements seeking feedback, and anyone with unexplained fatigue, neurologic symptoms, or known environmental exposure concerns.
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering if you have known or suspected heavy metal exposure, unexplained symptoms like fatigue or neurologic complaints, occupational or hobby-related metal contact, a history of supplementation you want to verify, or if you are adjusting your diet and want objective mineral feedback. Public health guidelines also recommend screening for at-risk children and adults.
How do I interpret the results?
- Below range: May indicate deficiency (for essential minerals)
- Above range: May indicate excess or toxic exposure (especially cadmium, lead, mercury).
Early detection of elevated toxic metals and low essential minerals allows for timely intervention before serious neurologic, renal, or metabolic damage occurs.
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 seafood for at least 48 hours before collection to prevent temporary elevation of mercury and other dietary metals. Do not undergo recent gadolinium or iodine contrast procedures (wait ~96 hours). Continue all regular medications unless your provider advises otherwise. Collect when you are not acutely ill, as inflammation or dehydration can transiently affect some values. Follow all kit instructions carefully and complete required forms before collection.
How often should I get tested?
- General monitoring: Annual or as recommended by your healthcare provider
- After exposure or intervention: Retest 4–12 weeks after exposure removal, major dietary changes, or therapeutic chelation to check progress
- At-risk individuals: Periodic screening based on occupational or environmental safety guidelines
Why early detection matters
Early identification and removal from heavy metal exposure significantly improve health outcomes, whereas delayed diagnosis risks permanent neurologic and renal damage (StatPearls, 2023). Detecting low essential mineral levels allows prompt dietary or supplemental correction before deficiency symptoms worsen. Regular monitoring of at-risk individuals prevents silent accumulation of toxic metals and supports proactive, preventive health management.
Related tests you may consider
Urine Toxic and Essential Elements Test Kit, 24-Hour - Doctor's Data Test Kit – Measures toxic metals and essential minerals in a full 24-hour urine sample. It helps show how your body is storing and releasing these elements over an entire day.
Thyroid #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel – Provides a detailed evaluation of thyroid function and detects the number of specific thyroid antibodies in the blood of individuals showcasing signs of thyroid disord
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP8) Blood Test– Checks important levels in your blood, like electrolytes, kidney function, and calcium, to help find problems with hydration, organ health, or metabolism.
