Test ID: BU-746 | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot + Dried Urine Strip | Technology: ICP-MS | Results in 3–5 Working Days
Could Heavy Metals or Mineral Imbalances Be Affecting Your Energy, Brain, or Immune Health?
Zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium are essential for hundreds of bodily processes — from hormone production and immune defence to energy metabolism and brain function. At the same time, toxic heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic, and cadmium accumulate silently through food, water, and environmental exposure, disrupting these same systems.
This at-home test screens for 14 toxic and essential elements across both dried blood spot and dried urine samples, using ICP-MS technology — the gold standard for trace element analysis. It provides a clinically meaningful picture of your mineral status and toxic burden in a single, convenient test.
What This Test Measures
Dried Blood Spot — Essential & Toxic Elements (ICP-MS):
- Zinc (Zn) — essential for immune function, wound healing, hormone synthesis, and DNA repair; deficiency is common and widely underdiagnosed
- Copper (Cu) — required for red blood cell formation, connective tissue, and energy production; imbalance with zinc affects immunity and mood
- Magnesium (Mg) — involved in 300+ enzymatic processes including energy, sleep, muscle function, and stress regulation; one of the most common deficiencies
- Selenium (Se) — critical antioxidant mineral supporting thyroid hormone conversion and immune defence
- Cadmium (Cd) — toxic metal from cigarettes and contaminated food; blood level reflects recent or active exposure
- Mercury (Hg) — highly toxic; blood measurement reflects recent exposure from contaminated fish or dental amalgam
Dried Urine — Toxic & Essential Elements (ICP-MS):
- Iodine (I) — essential for thyroid hormone production; deficiency causes fatigue, weight gain, and metabolic slowdown
- Bromine (Br) — competes with iodine at thyroid receptor sites; elevated levels can suppress thyroid function
- Selenium (Se) — urinary selenium reflects longer-term status alongside blood measurement
- Lithium (Li) — trace element with neurological and mood-related roles; elevated levels from medication or environment can affect thyroid output
- Arsenic (As) — toxic metalloid from rice, seafood, and contaminated water; disrupts hormone and immune function at elevated levels
- Cadmium (Cd) — urine measurement reflects kidney accumulation and longer-term burden
- Mercury (Hg) — urinary mercury reflects longer-term or kidney-related accumulation
- Creatinine (Crtn) — adjusts urine element results for concentration, ensuring accuracy across all markers
Who Is This Test For?
This test is suitable for adults and children who:
- Experience persistent fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, or low mood with no clear cause
- Suspect mineral deficiencies affecting their energy, immunity, or hormonal health
- Eat fish or seafood regularly, particularly high-mercury species (tuna, swordfish, shark)
- Have mercury dental fillings (amalgam) or smoke
- Live near industrial areas or in older properties
- Want a comprehensive baseline screen of their mineral status and toxic element exposure
- Have thyroid-related concerns and want to understand the environmental element picture
- Are supporting a detox, nutritional protocol, or integrative health plan
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
- Collect your samples at home — a simple finger-prick for the blood spot and a brief urine collection; no clinic or GP visit required
- Post your samples to the laboratory using the instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your samples
What You Receive With Your Results
- All 14 markers displayed in clear graphics and easy-to-read values
- A written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and recommended next steps
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
- Pioneers of at-home dried blood spot (DBS) hormone and element testing
- Advanced ICP-MS technology for clinical-grade trace element accuracy
- Each element tested in the most clinically significant sample type
- Personalised reference ranges based on age and sex
Through our partnership with ZRT Laboratory, Hormone Lab UK delivers internationally recognised, research-backed testing to people across the UK and Europe — from the comfort of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between blood spot and urine testing for heavy metals?
Blood reflects recent or active exposure — useful for mercury and cadmium from ongoing sources like fish or cigarettes. Urine reflects excretion and longer-term accumulation in organs such as the kidneys. By testing both, this panel gives a more complete picture of your current and cumulative toxic burden than either sample type alone.
How do I know if I am deficient in zinc or magnesium?
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include frequent illness, slow wound healing, hair loss, and poor appetite. Magnesium deficiency commonly presents as fatigue, muscle cramps, poor sleep, anxiety, and headaches. Both are widespread but rarely tested in standard NHS panels. This test measures both directly in blood, giving you accurate, actionable data.
Can copper and zinc imbalance affect my health?
Yes. Copper and zinc work in balance — excess copper relative to zinc is associated with anxiety, fatigue, oestrogen dominance, and immune suppression. This test measures both, allowing you and your practitioner to assess the ratio and take targeted action.
Is this test suitable for children?
Yes. The test is suitable for adults and children. Sample collection is non-invasive — a small finger-prick for the blood spot and a straightforward urine collection. Please follow the collection instructions carefully when testing a child.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included in the purchase price. There are no additional charges. You are only responsible for posting your samples to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.
Can I use this test alongside other Hormone Lab UK tests?
Yes. This panel pairs well with thyroid, hormone, or cortisol tests where mineral and toxic element status may be contributing to symptoms. Your results report will include specialist commentary to help guide next steps.
