Metal Exposure
SmarTest Labs offers various metal exposure test options to individuals that are concerned about potential exposure or poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning refers to an excessive exposure to a heavy metal that affects the normal function of the body. Examples of heavy metals that can cause toxicity include Arsenic, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Lead, Mercury and Thallium. Exposure may occur through contaminated soil, groundwater, paint and industrial (workplace) exposure.
Learn more about our metal exposure test offerings below:
Arsenic Exposure (Urine)
This test requires that all urine produced for 24 hours be collected and submitted for analysis. The test detects arsenic ingested recently or chronically over a long period. If the person has been removed from the arsenic containing environment, a hair analysis should be performed as it will provide a better historic record of arsenic exposure.
Arsenic Exposure (Blood)
This test measures arsenic in an individual’s blood at the time of testing.
Physiologic arsenic concentrations in unexposed individuals are usually <10 ng/mL. Total arsenic concentration may be markedly increased after dietary consumption of seafood.
Arsenic Exposure (Hair)
This test may detect moderate to high level Arsenic exposure up to 6 months prior.
Soluble inorganic arsenic can have immediate toxic effects. Ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe vomiting, disturbances of the blood and circulation, damage to the nervous system, and eventually death.
People are exposed to elevated levels of inorganic arsenic through drinking contaminated water, using contaminated water in food preparation and irrigation of food crops, industrial processes, eating contaminated food and smoking tobacco.
Soluble inorganic arsenic can have immediate toxic effects. Ingestion of large amounts can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe vomiting, disturbances of the blood and circulation, damage to the nervous system, and eventually death
Lead Exposure (Urine)
Inhaling or ingesting the toxic metal lead can damage the brain, organs, and nervous system.
- Symptoms of lead exposure include weakness, anemia, nausea, headaches, and fatigue, among others.
- Lead exposures typically come from lead-based paint and contaminated dust in older buildings.
- Exposure can also come from contaminated air, water, and soil.
Comprehensive Heavy Metal Exposure (Hair)
This test includes a comprehensive list of metals that will be tested. Exposure to these metals can cause many health related issues. This is especially seen in old homes that have old paint or in industries like manufacturing.
Some examples of metals tested include the following:
- Arsenic, Cadmium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, Thallium
Comprehensive Heavy Metal Exposure (Urine)
This test requires a 24 hour urine collection. It tests for the most common heavy metal contaminants.
Mercury Exposure (Urine)
Metallic mercury mainly causes health effects when inhaled as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.
Symptoms of prolonged and/or acute exposures include: Tremors; Emotional changes (such as mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness).
If individuals live in an area where there is a possibility of mercury exposure, it would be prudent to get tested. Children and pregnant women are especially impacted by mercury, if exposed.
Mercury Exposure (Blood)
Metallic mercury mainly causes health effects when inhaled as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.
Symptoms of prolonged and/or acute exposures include: Tremors; Emotional changes (such as mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness).
If individuals live in an area where there is a possibility of mercury exposure, it would be prudent to get tested. Children and pregnant women are especially impacted by mercury, if exposed.