Lab test

Heavy Metals & Toxins

Heavy metal testing measures the levels of several potentially harmful metals in the body, typically including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.

Typical price

From $108

Results

1-3 business days

Preparation

See preparation notes below

Sample

Blood draw or sample collection at a local center

Heavy metal testing measures the levels of several potentially harmful metals in the body, typically including lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. These metals occur naturally and are also released through industry, certain foods, water, and some consumer products. A panel is often chosen when a person has known or suspected exposure, works in a high-risk setting, or has symptoms that a healthcare provider thinks may relate to metal toxicity. Depending on the metal, testing may use blood, urine, or both. Results are screening information and are interpreted with exposure history.

• Lead A heavy metal that can affect the nervous system, blood cells, and kidneys, commonly assessed in blood or urine.
• Mercury A heavy metal found in some fish and industrial settings, assessed in blood for recent exposure or urine for longer-term exposure.
• Arsenic An element found in some groundwater and industrial settings, measured in blood for recent exposure or urine for a longer window.
• Cadmium A heavy metal associated with smoking, certain foods, and industrial exposure, often assessed in blood or urine.

• People with workplace exposure to metals, such as welding, smelting, or battery manufacturing
• Individuals who drink from a private well or live near industrial sites
• Anyone who frequently eats large predatory fish or game with possible contamination
• People with symptoms such as fatigue, numbness, abdominal pain, or kidney concerns
• Those whose healthcare provider suspects heavy-metal exposure for another reason

• Preparation depends on which metals are tested and whether blood, urine, or both are collected
• No fasting is usually required
• Avoid a heavy seafood meal for about two to three days before collection when mercury or arsenic is included
• Stay normally hydrated for a urine collection unless told otherwise
• Tell the lab about supplements, medications, and occupational exposures

Each metal is reported separately, so a panel may show one elevated value while others are within range. An elevated level may indicate increased exposure to that specific metal, while results within range generally suggest exposure is low. Blood and urine reflect different time windows, so the meaning of a result depends on the specimen used. Heavy-metal testing is a screening tool, and no single value confirms a diagnosis. Discuss the full panel with a healthcare provider to interpret the pattern and plan any follow-up.

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