Test library
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel
A laboratory panel that measures levels of common heavy metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium to help assess exposure from water, food, work, or the environment.
Order Heavy Metals & Toxins
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Heavy Metals & Toxins- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $108
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
This panel measures the levels of several heavy metals in the body using a laboratory sample. It is used when someone wants to assess possible exposure through water, food, soil, workplace materials, or consumer products. A healthcare provider interprets the findings together with the exposure history.
What this test measures
Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements that can accumulate in the body through air, water, food, soil, and some workplaces. At elevated levels, metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium may affect the nervous system, kidneys, blood, or other organs. Laboratory testing helps document current body levels and can support a broader evaluation.
The panel may use blood, urine, or both, depending on the metals and the laboratory method. Reported markers typically include lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and creatinine as a hydration reference. An expanded version may add essential elements such as copper, zinc, or selenium so a clinician can review the mineral balance alongside toxic metal levels.
People commonly order this testing when they suspect exposure at work, through older plumbing or paint, through frequent fish consumption, or from hobbies that involve metals. Results do not by themselves diagnose poisoning, and follow-up decisions should always involve a qualified healthcare provider.
- Lead (blood or urine)
- Mercury (blood or urine)
- Arsenic (urine)
- Cadmium (urine)
- Creatinine as a hydration reference
- Urine collection volume and concentration
- Copper when an expanded mineral panel is included
- Zinc when an expanded mineral panel is included
- Selenium when an expanded mineral panel is included
Why people order this test
- Assess possible exposure from water, food, or soil
- Monitor workplace or hobby-related metal contact
- Investigate unexplained fatigue or neurological symptoms
- Establish a baseline before chelation discussions with a clinician
- Follow up on an earlier screening result
How to prepare
Preparation depends on the sample type. Blood collection usually requires no fasting, while some urine panels ask for a first-morning or timed collection. Follow the specific instructions provided by the laboratory.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported within one to three business days. Levels above the laboratory reference range suggest exposure or accumulation, and a healthcare provider determines whether repeat testing or clinical follow-up is appropriate.
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel by state
Alabama
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Alaska
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Alaska.
Arizona
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Arizona.
Arkansas
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Arkansas.
California
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across California.
Colorado
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Colorado.
Connecticut
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Connecticut.
Delaware
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Delaware.
Florida
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Florida.
Georgia
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Georgia.
Hawaii
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Hawaii.
Idaho
Heavy Metal Toxicity Panel across Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which sample is used for heavy metal testing?
It depends on the metal. Some are measured in blood, others in urine, and some panels combine both sample types.
Do I need to fast?
Blood collection generally does not require fasting, but a specific urine panel may have its own instructions from the laboratory.
Can diet affect the results?
Recent seafood meals can influence mercury and arsenic levels, so share your recent diet with the healthcare provider interpreting the test.
Does an elevated level mean poisoning?
Not necessarily. Reference ranges and clinical context matter, and a healthcare provider should interpret any abnormal result.
Can I order this test without a referral?
Ordering requirements vary by laboratory and region; the collection site can explain what is needed.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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Every page on this site is reviewed for clarity, sourcing, and accuracy. We update our library as testing options, collection networks, and accreditation standards change.