This Urine Toxic Metals, 24-Hour Test Kit measures the following analytes:
- Aluminum | Antimony | Arsenic
- Barium | Beryllium | Bismuth
- Cadmium | Cesium
- Gadolinium
- Lead
- Mercury
- Nickel
- Palladium | Platinum
- Tellurium | Thallium | Thorium | Tin | Tungsten
- Uranium
What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Urine Toxic Metals, 24-Hour Test Kit, which evaluates exposure to potentially toxic elements and monitors metal detoxification therapy's effectiveness in a urine sample over 24 hours. Analyzing the toxic metal levels in a urine sample after administering a metal detoxification agent is an accurate way to evaluate the accumulation of toxic metals. Acute metal poisoning is rare. However, chronic, low-level exposure to toxic metals is more common, which can lead to substantial retention in the body that can be associated with various adverse health effects and chronic disease. Therefore, one must assess net retention before drawing valid conclusions about metals' adverse health effects.
For an individual, toxicity occurs when net retention exceeds physiological tolerance. The difference between the rates of assimilation and excretion of metals determines net retention. To evaluate net retention, one compares the levels of metals in urine before and after administering a pharmaceutical metal detoxification agent such as EDTA, DMSA, or DMPS. Different compounds have different affinities for specific metals, but all function by sequestering "hidden" metals from deep tissue stores and mobilizing the metals to the kidneys for excretion in the urine. Therefore, it is crucial to perform both pre- and post-provocation urinalysis to permit a distinction between ongoing exposures to metals (pre-) and net bodily retention.
Many healthcare providers also request the analysis of essential elements in urine specimens to evaluate nutritional status and the effectiveness of mineral supplementation during metal detoxification therapy. Metal detoxification agents can significantly increase the excretion of specific nutrient elements such as zinc, copper, manganese, and molybdenum. In addition, an early indication of renal dysfunction can be gleaned from urinary wasting of essential elements such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium in an unprovoked specimen.
This test kit is helpful for individuals experiencing issues with the following:
- Toxic Element Exposure
- Alopecia
- Bone Density
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Mood Disorder (Depression)
- Dermatitis or Poor Wound Healing
- Detoxification Therapy
- Fatigue
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms
- Hypertension
- Immune Function
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance
- Inflammation
- Kidney Function
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Parkinson's-like Symptoms
When should I order a Urine Toxic Metals, 24-Hour Test Kit?
Individuals may order this test kit if they have experienced symptoms related to metal toxicity. Common signs or symptoms of metal toxicity may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling of the hands or feet
A chelation drug is not included in the kit. Patients should contact their physician for more information regarding metal detoxification agents.
