HEAVY METALS TEST

Why This Test?

Commonly undiagnosed.

Symptoms Include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Central Nervous System Dysfunction
• Heart Problems
• Anemia

Limitations

Ingestion of seafood within three days of specimen collection can affect results.

Reference Range(s)

Whole Blood Arsenic level >100 mcg/L is indicative of acute/chronic exposure. Urine is usually the best specimen for the analysis of arsenic in body fluids. Blood levels tend to be low even when urine concentrations are high.

Blood lead levels in the range of 5-9 mcg/dL have been associated with adverse health effects in children aged 6 years and younger. Patient management varies by age and CDC Blood Lead Level range. Refer to the CDC website regarding Lead Publications/Case Management for recommended interventions.

Clinical Significance

Useful in the diagnosis of toxicity due to Arsenic, Lead or Mercury.

Test Prep: Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to sample collection