Heavy Metals Testing

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    Heavy Metals Testing Kit offers a convenient and accurate method for assessing heavy metal levels in the body using dried blood spots and dried urine spots. This comprehensive testing solution allows individuals to evaluate their exposure to a range of toxic heavy metals that may pose health risks. Heavy Metals Testing (Comprehensive Toxic and Essential Elements) Profile is for testing 14 essential elements in the body as follows:

    1. Iodine (I) in Dried Urine Spot: Iodine is an essential trace element necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. It is commonly found in seafood and iodized salt. 

    2. Bromine (Br) in Dried Urine Spot: Bromine is a halogen element with various industrial applications. It can be found in certain flame retardants, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals.

    3. Selenium (Se) in Dried Urine Spot: Selenium is a trace mineral that functions as an antioxidant and plays a role in supporting the immune system. It is found in foods like nuts, seafood, and whole grains.

    4. Arsenic (As) in Dried Urine Spot: Arsenic is a toxic metalloid that can be found naturally in the environment. Long-term exposure to high levels of arsenic can have harmful effects on health.

    5. Mercury (Hg) in Dried Urine Spot: Mercury is a heavy metal that exists in different forms and is highly toxic. Exposure to mercury, particularly through contaminated fish or industrial processes, can lead to serious health problems.

    6. Cadmium (Cd) in Dried Urine Spot: Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal commonly found in industrial processes. It can accumulate in the body over time and has been associated with kidney damage and other adverse health effects.

    7. Creatinine (Crtn) in Dried Urine Spot: Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles and excreted through urine. It is commonly used as a marker to assess kidney function.

    8. Lithium (Li) in Dried Urine Spot: Lithium is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder. Its levels can be measured in dried urine spots, which are collected on filter paper and used for analysis.

    9. Mercury (Hg) in Dried Blood Spot: Similar to urine spot testing, dried blood spot analysis can be used to measure mercury levels in the blood. This method involves collecting a small amount of blood on a filter paper for analysis.

    10. Selenium (Se) in Dried Blood Spot: Dried blood spot testing can also be used to measure selenium levels. Selenium is an essential mineral with antioxidant properties.

    11. Cadmium (Cd) in Dried Blood Spot: Dried blood spot analysis can provide information about cadmium levels in the blood. As mentioned earlier, cadmium exposure can have adverse health effects.

    12. Zinc (Zn) in Dried Blood Spot: Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including immune system function and wound healing. Dried blood spot testing can be used to measure zinc levels.

    13. Magnesium (Mg) in Dried Blood Spot: Magnesium is a mineral involved in numerous physiological processes, including muscle and nerve function and energy production. Dried blood spot analysis can provide information about magnesium levels.

    14. Copper (Cu) in Dried Blood Spot: Copper is an essential trace element that plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and connective tissue. Its levels can be measured through dried blood spot testing.

    These elements and substances can be analyzed in dried urine or dried blood samples to assess levels, detect imbalances, or monitor exposure to potentially harmful substances. 

    Test Result: You will receive your test result 3-5 working days after the laboratory receives your sample. You will see your hormone levels in graphics and numbers on your test results. You will also see laboratory comments by Hormone Specialist PhD Dr in the comments: you will find Dr analysis of your hormone levels and what to do next.

     

    Key Features:

    • Convenient Sample Collection: The kit includes easy-to-use collection materials for obtaining dried blood spots and dried urine spots in the comfort of your own home. No need for invasive blood draws or complicated urine collection procedures.
    • Accurate and Reliable Results: Our testing methods are scientifically validated and performed in a state-of-the-art laboratory, ensuring accurate and reliable results you can trust. We employ advanced analytical techniques to detect even trace amounts of heavy metals in the samples.
    • Expert Analysis and Interpretation: Once the samples are analysed, a comprehensive report will be provided. The report includes detailed information on heavy metal levels, potential sources of exposure, and recommendations for further action if necessary. Our team of experts is available to answer any questions and provide additional guidance as needed.
    • Actionable Insights for Health and Well-being: Individuals can gain valuable insights into their toxic metal burden by assessing heavy metal levels in dried blood spots and dried urine spots. This information can help identify potential sources of exposure, guide lifestyle modifications, and support overall health and well-being.
    • Click the link to see Heavy Metals Testing Sample Report 
    • Collect samples from the comfort of your home and post them to our lab.
    • The test is suitable for both adults and children
    • The test must be used within 12 months after the purchase date.
    • The test kit includes a laboratory fee: no additional laboratory cost or tax.
    • Customers are responsible for shipping their samples to the laboratory. 

    Why the Focus on Elements?

    Heavy metals and essential elements testing can be beneficial for individuals who may have potential exposure to heavy metals or those who suspect heavy metal toxicity. The following individuals may consider heavy metals and essential elements testing:

    • Occupational Exposure: Individuals who work in industries or environments where they are exposed to heavy metals, such as mining, construction, manufacturing, or agriculture, may consider testing to assess their levels of exposure and potential toxicity.
    • Environmental Exposure: Individuals living in areas with high environmental pollution or contamination, such as near industrial sites, mining areas, or areas with pesticide use, may consider testing to evaluate their heavy metal exposure.
    • Symptoms of Heavy Metal Toxicity: Individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms that may be associated with heavy metal toxicity, such as chronic fatigue, cognitive difficulties, digestive issues, neurological symptoms, or unexplained chronic illnesses, may consider testing to identify potential heavy metal toxicity as a contributing factor.
    • Fish or Seafood Consumption: Individuals who regularly consume fish or seafood, particularly those known to be high in mercury (such as certain types of tuna, swordfish, or shark), may consider testing to monitor their mercury levels and ensure they are within safe limits.
    • Prenatal and Pediatric Assessment: Pregnant women or parents of young children may consider testing to evaluate heavy metal exposure and toxicity risks, as children and developing fetuses can be more vulnerable to the effects of heavy metals.
    • Nutritional Assessment: Testing for essential elements can also be useful for assessing nutritional status and potential deficiencies or imbalances. Individuals following restrictive diets, having specific dietary requirements or suspect nutrient deficiencies may consider testing to guide their nutritional interventions.

    Who Can benefit from this test?

    • People who smoke,
    • People who are concerned about heavy metals in foods like vegetables, rice and seafood,
    • People who have mercury dental work,
    • people who live in an older home or near an industrial area,
    • People who have thyroid-related health issues.

    HEAVY METALS & NUTRIENTS

    Heavy metal exposure is on the rise. Common sources include cigarettes, seafood, rice, well water, vaccinations & dental fillings. These toxic elements can significantly increase our risk of developing conditions like dementia, infertility, diabetes and cancer. They are also known to cause damage to the liver, kidneys and brain, as well as the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems.

    Essential elements are abundant, too, and only healthy when they are within optimal ranges. Nutrients like copper, iodine, magnesium, selenium and zinc are critical for enzymes that synthesise neurotransmitters and activate hormones. Bromine and lithium, while not currently classified as “essential” elements, have been shown to play a positive role in health but are also potentially toxic at excessive levels.

    Elements Testing - Why Sample Type Matters!
    How do you decide what biological samples to use for element analysis? Can results be compared to scientific literature, or do they have clinical significance? Is it possible for values to be elevated or low in one sample type and normal in another? Do test results indicate recent intake, body burden, acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, deficiency, or homeostatic regulation?

    These are just some of the questions facing a testing laboratory when they want to develop and validate essential and toxic element profiles that will provide clinically meaningful results.

    Most element panels commercially available today consist of 20-30 elements analysed using a single sample type (most commonly urine or serum). It may seem like a reasonable one-stop shop for element analysis, but this is not the case!

    Each element is unique in the way it is excreted, when it is excreted, and how results should be interpreted. The problem with testing a single sample type is that results may be meaningful for one element and meaningless for another.  Our laboratory (ZRT) Laboratory prides itself in producing results with meaning, so instead of creating large element panels using a single sample type, we broke our element profiles up to test key toxic and essential elements in what we believe is the most clinically significant sample type.

    Benefits of Heavy Metals Test

    The benefits of heavy metals testing include:

    • Detection of Toxic Exposure: Heavy metals testing can identify and quantify the levels of toxic heavy metals in the body, such as, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and others. This information helps individuals become aware of their exposure and potential health risks associated with heavy metal toxicity.
    • Early Identification of Health Issues: Elevated levels of heavy metals in the body can contribute to a range of health issues. By detecting and monitoring heavy metal levels, individuals can identify potential underlying causes of symptoms or chronic conditions and take appropriate action for early intervention.
    • Personalized Treatment and Prevention: Heavy metals testing provides valuable information that can guide personalized treatment plans. If elevated levels are found, healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies to reduce heavy metal exposure, promote detoxification, and support overall health and well-being.
    • Environmental and Occupational Safety: For individuals working in industries with potential heavy metal exposure or living in areas with environmental pollution, heavy metals testing can help monitor their exposure levels and encourage proactive measures to minimize risk. This includes implementing safety protocols, using protective equipment, or considering environmental remediation.
    • Identification of Dietary Sources: Heavy metals can also be present in certain foods, especially fish, seafood, and some agricultural products. Testing can help individuals identify potential dietary sources of heavy metals and make informed decisions about their food choices and cooking methods.
    • Monitoring Treatment Effectiveness: Heavy metals testing allows individuals who are undergoing treatments or interventions for heavy metal detoxification to monitor the effectiveness of their therapies. By periodically retesting, they can track their progress and adjust their treatment plans accordingly.
    • Peace of Mind and Empowerment: For individuals who suspect heavy metal exposure or are concerned about potential health risks, heavy metals testing can provide peace of mind by either confirming the absence of significant heavy metal levels or identifying areas of concern that can be addressed proactively. This empowers individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions regarding their well-being.

    Although our test result report is easy to understand, we believe It's important to note that heavy metals testing should be conducted under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can interpret the results and provide appropriate recommendations based on individual circumstances.

    What do we test, and in which sample type?
    Dried Urine  Spot (DUS) – Iodine, Bromine, Selenium, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Mercury (plus Creatinine to correct for urine dilution)

    Dried Blood Spot (DBS) – Zinc, Copper, Zinc/Copper Ratio, Magnesium, Selenium, Cadmium, and Mercury

    Taking each element in turn, here's the rationale for the choice of sample type.

    Iodine 
    Urine is the best indicator of recent dietary iodine intake, as >90% is excreted in the urine. Nearly all iodine-related studies published by major health organisations and independent research groups have used urine iodine to determine deficiency and excess in populations and recent intake in individuals. Serum iodine is sometimes used in hospitals as a quick screen to detect acute exposure, but this is uncommon.   Bromine 
    Urine is the best indicator of recent dietary bromine intake, as the majority is excreted in the urine.
    Selenium 

    Urine is the best indicator of recent dietary selenium intake, as 50-70% is excreted in the urine. Both whole blood and serum indicate current body selenium status, but whole blood is believed to reflect long-term intake better than serum. The concentration of selenium in serum is about 80% of what you find in whole blood.

    Arsenic 

    Urinary arsenic is the best indicator of recent dietary intake, as 80% is excreted in urine after three days. Serum and whole blood are poor indicators of recent dietary intake or body status for arsenic as it is cleared rapidly within a couple of hours. Serum and blood should only be used to detect very recent or extremely high levels of exposure.

    Cadmium 

    Urinary cadmium is the best indicator of long-term exposure to this toxic element.  Cadmium is concentrated in the kidneys, and urinary levels represent cumulative cadmium exposure over the long term (it has a 30-year half-life). Whole blood cadmium levels reflect recent exposure within the last 50 days. Only about 0.01-0.02% of the total body cadmium burden is excreted every day because it accumulates primarily in the kidneys. The serum is a poor indicator of exposure because cadmium in the bloodstream binds to red blood cells, with erythrocyte concentrations 20 times higher than serum.

    Mercury 

    Urinary mercury is the best indicator of inorganic and elemental mercury exposure and kidney burden. Whole blood is the best indicator of organic (methyl or ethyl) mercury exposure, with 70-95% bound to haemoglobin in red blood cells and a half-life of around 50 days. Serum should not be used for mercury analysis.

    Zinc and Copper

    Whole blood or serum can be used to assess zinc and copper. Zinc and copper are functional antagonists; therefore, the zinc/copper ratio should be determined, especially in cases where values of both border high and low normal ranges. Urinary zinc levels reflect recent intake, but studies have not been able to correlate urinary zinc to tissue concentrations. In normal people, less than 3% of copper intake is excreted in the urine. Whole blood copper levels correlate better to symptoms of copper toxicity than serum, while whole blood zinc levels may better reflect intracellular and long-term zinc status than serum.

    Magnesium

    There is no simple laboratory test to indicate total body Mg status in humans. Less than 1% of body magnesium is found in blood, with approximately 0.3% in serum. Urinary magnesium reflects recent dietary intake and intestinal absorption but is not commonly measured. Serum magnesium is commonly tested, but there is little correlation to total body magnesium or concentrations in specific tissues.  Serum magnesium levels are kept under tight homeostatic control and are usually normal even when there is a nutritional magnesium deficiency because serum levels are raised at the expense of intracellular stores. Whole blood magnesium contains a high concentration of magnesium ions, which are essential for many metabolic processes and better reflect long-term body status.

    Examples
    • A patient regularly eats mercury-contaminated fish. Testing would potentially show low urinary and serum mercury, while whole blood tests would be high for mercury. This is because a majority of the mercury in fish tissue is methylmercury, which can only be detected in whole blood samples.
    • A patient continuously drinks water contaminated with arsenic from a well. Testing would potentially show low whole blood and serum arsenic and high urinary arsenic. This is because arsenic is cleared rapidly in blood but is excreted over multiple days in urine.
    • A patient ceased smoking cigarettes (a high source of cadmium) 6 months ago but was a habitual smoker for 20 years. Whole blood and serum would potentially show low cadmium levels, while urine tests are high for cadmium. This is because whole blood represents recent cadmium intake, and serum is a poor indicator of cadmium burden, while urine indicates long-term cadmium exposure.
    As you can see, proper sample type matters when testing toxic and essential elements. In certain cases, testing two sample types will provide a better picture of total exposure.

    Why Test Both Blood & Urine?
    Heavy metals and essential elements affect different systems of the body, so it makes sense that they can’t all be measured in the same body fluid. ZRT tests using the most scientifically appropriate medium – either urine or dried blood spot – for our elements profiles.

    For example, urinary cadmium is the best measure of accumulated exposure, while blood spot assesses only recent exposure. Blood is the only appropriate medium to assess magnesium exposure, and urine is the only appropriate medium for arsenic.

    Dried Urine: ZRT’s dried urine method offers a discreet, at-home testing alternative and eliminates the hassles of all-day jug urine collection. Patients collect urine on a filter strip twice during the day. Dried strips are shelf-stable for 30 days and easy to mail back to the lab for analysis.

    Dried Blood Spot:  Allows testers to collect samples in the privacy of their own homes; it is simple and nearly painless, avoiding a trip to the phlebotomist.