This panel contains the following tests:

• Mercury

• Arsenic

• Cadmium

• Lead

A healthy, normal-functioning body is able to rid itself of very small amounts of heavy metals. However, impairments to our detoxification system as well as exposure to moderate and large quantities of heavy metals can lead to an accumulation in the kidneys, liver, bones, brain, and other systems in the body.
Seldom few realize the various common environmental factors that expose us to mercury, arsenic and aluminum and the devastating effects these heavy metals can have on our body:

• Atmospheric mercury is in the rain as well as the fish we consume on a regular basis. Mercury exposure accumulates in the brain and kidneys.

• Arsenic from water supplies leaches into shellfish and other fish. When ingested, arsenic affects the blood, central nervous system, digestive system, and can be harmful to the skin and kidneys. For chronic exposure concerns, urine testing is the preferred method of measuring arsenic exposure, due to arsenic’s rapid clearance. Arsenic urine testing also offers the advantage of speciating the different forms of arsenic, to help ascertain occupational/environmental exposure to the more harmful form (inorganic) compared to the forms found in food sources, like rice or seafood.

• Chronic cadmium exposure can lead to anemia, zinc deficiency, kidney damage, fatigue, and weight loss. Cadmium can be found at higher levels in foods like seafood or organ meats. Other sources of cadmium include paints, pigments, batteries, and some plastics/rubber materials.

• Lead toxicity is associated with anemia and interference in normal red blood cell production. Early symptoms of lead poisoning include mood changes, fatigue, anorexia, and anemia. Symptoms of toxicity include GI disturbances, joint discomfort, headaches and other neurological symptoms.

• Lead exposure may occur from paint, soil, contaminated drinking water, cosmetics, and other contaminated products. Lead has been distributed in the environment from sources such as leaded gas and paint before environmental measures were in place which means even soil can be contaminated and crops, even organic, can contain lead.

Note

Urine testing is preferred for assessing chronic metals exposure, whereas blood testing is useful in determining recent acute exposure. For a heavy metals blood test option, please see the Heavy Metals Panel Blood Test: LC100003.

Instructions

Fasting is not required for this test. Take all medications as prescribed. Avoid seafood 72 hours prior to collection unless it is desired to check levels while consuming seafood.