Heavy Metals Screen LIS Code: HMS
Comprehensive heavy metals blood test detecting mercury, lead, arsenic, and other toxic elements. Identify exposure, monitor organ health, and ensure safe detoxification.
What's included in this profile
- A toxic element that can enter the body via food, water or environment
- High levels can cause a range of health problems
- Checked when exposure is suspected
- A toxic metal associated with smoking and certain occupational exposures
- Can accumulate in the kidneys over time
- Checked when exposure is suspected
- A trace element involved in blood sugar metabolism
- Excess exposure (e.g. occupational) can be tested for
- Checked when toxic exposure is a concern
- A mineral involved in energy production and iron metabolism
- Both deficiency and excess can cause health problems
- Usually checked as part of a wider nutritional panel
- A toxic metal that can affect the nervous system, especially in children
- Exposure can come from old paint, plumbing or certain occupations
- Checked when exposure is suspected
- A toxic metal that can accumulate from fish consumption or other exposure
- High levels can affect the nervous system
- Checked when exposure is suspected
- A metal that can cause toxicity with excess exposure
- Often linked to certain occupational or environmental sources
- Checked when exposure is suspected
- A trace mineral with antioxidant and thyroidsupporting roles
- Deficiency is uncommon but can affect immune and thyroid health
- Checked as part of nutritional assessment
- A mineral important for immune function and wound healing
- Deficiency can affect taste, smell and skin health
- Checked as part of nutritional assessment
About this profile
The Heavy Metals Screen is a comprehensive blood test designed to detect and measure elevated levels of toxic heavy metals and essential trace elements within the body. It provides valuable insights into potential environmental or occupational exposures that could affect overall health, organ function, and metabolic balance.
Indications for Testing
This profile is recommended for individuals who suspect exposure to pollutants or toxins, experience symptoms such as chronic fatigue, cognitive issues, muscle weakness, or headaches, or wish to evaluate their heavy metal burden. It is also beneficial for those undergoing chelation therapy or living in areas with known industrial contamination.
What Can Be Detected
This test evaluates a range of heavy metals and essential elements to assess both toxic exposure and nutritional balance:
Chromium: Supports glucose metabolism; elevated levels may indicate exposure to industrial compounds.
Arsenic: Found in contaminated water, seafood, and pesticides; excessive levels are associated with skin, nerve, and cardiovascular issues.
Lead: Commonly found in paint, pipes, and industrial environments; elevated exposure may cause neurological and developmental impairment.
Mercury: Typically found in fish and industrial emissions; high levels can affect kidney, brain, and nervous system function.
Nickel: Used in alloys and stainless steel; overexposure may lead to respiratory irritation or allergic reactions.
Selenium: An essential antioxidant that protects cells; both deficiency and toxicity can cause metabolic disturbances.
Zinc: Important for immune support and enzyme function; imbalances can weaken immunity or cause metabolic issues.
Cadmium: Linked to cigarette smoke and industrial waste; high levels are toxic to kidneys and bones.
Copper: Required for cardiovascular and neurological health; excess or deficiency may disrupt liver and metabolic function.
Who Is This Test For
The Heavy Metals Screen is suitable for individuals concerned about toxin exposure, especially those working in manufacturing, mining, or chemical industries. It is also ideal for people with unexplained symptoms potentially linked to heavy metal toxicity, or those living in polluted regions.
Fasting Requirements
No fasting is necessary for this test. However, follow any guidance provided by your healthcare professional for optimal results.
