Test library
Blood Heavy Metal Screening
A blood test that measures levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury to help evaluate recent or ongoing exposure to these three common heavy metals.
Order Heavy Metal Lab Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Heavy Metal Lab Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $198
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
This blood test measures three heavy metals: lead, arsenic, and mercury. It is used when recent or ongoing exposure is suspected through work, water, food, or the environment. A healthcare provider interprets the levels together with your full detailed exposure history and any current symptoms you notice.
What this test measures
Blood testing is well suited to measuring metals that circulate in the bloodstream, which often reflects recent exposure. Lead is classically measured in whole blood, while arsenic and mercury can also be measured there. The panel gives a current picture rather than a long-term history.
A routine venous blood draw is the only collection needed. The laboratory reports each metal separately, and some methods can distinguish inorganic from organic mercury when speciation is requested. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by the population being tested, so results are reported against the appropriate range.
People order this test after noticing a possible exposure at work, in drinking water, in older paint or plumbing, or through certain foods. Because many factors influence blood metal levels, the report is one part of a full assessment performed by a qualified healthcare provider.
- Lead (whole blood)
- Arsenic (whole blood)
- Mercury (whole blood, total)
- Inorganic mercury when speciation is included
- Organic or methylmercury when speciation is included
- Creatinine as a supporting reference
Why people order this test
- Measure recent exposure to lead, arsenic, or mercury
- Follow up on a suspected workplace exposure
- Evaluate concerns about water or food contamination
- Check levels before or after a known exposure event
- Add metal markers to a broader clinical workup
How to prepare
No fasting is usually required for a blood metal panel. Avoid eating seafood immediately before collection if mercury or arsenic testing is planned, and follow the laboratory instructions.
Understanding your results
Results are usually available within one to three business days. Blood levels reflect recent exposure, and a healthcare provider determines whether a value outside the reference range warrants repeat testing or further evaluation.
Blood Heavy Metal Screening by state
Alabama
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Alabama.
Alaska
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Alaska.
Arizona
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Arizona.
Arkansas
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Arkansas.
California
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across California.
Colorado
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Colorado.
Connecticut
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Connecticut.
Delaware
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Delaware.
Florida
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Florida.
Georgia
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Georgia.
Hawaii
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Hawaii.
Idaho
Blood Heavy Metal Screening across Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why measure these metals in blood instead of urine?
Blood is often used for recent exposure, while urine is more common for certain metals and longer collection periods.
Can one seafood meal affect the result?
Yes. Recent fish or shellfish can raise mercury and arsenic readings, so timing and diet should be shared with your provider.
Do I need to fast before the draw?
Fasting is generally not required for this panel unless the laboratory instructs otherwise.
Is speciation available?
Some laboratories offer mercury speciation to separate inorganic and organic forms, which can help with interpretation.
What should I do if a level is high?
Discuss the result with a qualified healthcare provider, who can arrange confirmatory testing and advise on exposure reduction.
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.