16 Toxic Metals Study (Small Panel)

General Information

Heavy metals exist naturally in the environment. They can be found in some medicines, foods, nutritional supplements. In normal amounts, some of them are necessary for conducting a number of biological processes. Chemicals for industrial use also contain heavy metals, the contact of which with soil, air, water - brings serious consequences for health.

Heavy metal poisoning can cause organ damage, behavioral abnormalities, and mental problems. Heavy metal poisoning in children causes long-term, serious problems.

Research material

The research material is selected depending on which metal is being tested and how long it was exposed to (short-term, long-term). Urine and blood are the most common test materials. To diagnose chronic intoxication, it is sometimes necessary to study nails and hair.

How to prepare for the test?

Some foods (fish, crustaceans) and medicines may contain heavy metals, so it is not recommended to take such products and medicines for 48 hours before the study.

Interpretation of answers

A higher than normal concentration of heavy metals in the blood may be a sign of severe intoxication, but not always. Even in the absence of symptoms, it is necessary to find a source of intoxication to reduce toxic exposure. Depending on the need, chelation (binding) therapy is also prescribed. Chelation therapy is usually accompanied by serious side effects, so the question of treatment should be decided by a doctor based on an assessment of risks and benefits.

A normal or low concentration of heavy metals in the blood indicates the absence of intoxication. However, some heavy metals quickly leave the bloodstream and accumulate in tissues. Therefore, in the presence of symptoms, despite the detection of a low concentration of heavy metals in the blood, sometimes additional studies are necessary - skin, hair, nails and other tissues.

The panel includes 16 heavy metal studies:

1. Chrome
2. Cadmium
3. silver
4. Mercury
5. copper
6. bullet
7. cobalt
8. nickel
9. arsenic
10. aluminum
11. Stibium
12. Beryllium
13. Bismuth
14. palladium
15. Thallium
16. Tin