HEAVY METALS PANEL (VENOUS)

ARSENIC, LEAD, MERCURY; HEAVY METALS

A heavy metals panel can be used to determine if you have high levels of one or more toxic metals.

Low levels of some heavy metals like iron and zinc are important for health. Other metals may be found in the body at relatively low levels because of normal environmental exposure. However, unsafe concentrations of heavy metals can accumulate and trigger potentially serious symptoms in those who are exposed.

Buildup of toxic metals can occur over the short- or long-term, and heavy metal testing can help reveal unhealthy exposure. Testing can be done in multiple contexts including screening, diagnosis, and monitoring related to heavy metal poisoning.

    Screening is looking for indications of heavy metal poisoning in people who have not shown any symptoms. Screening may be used in people who are believed to have been exposed to toxic metals in their workplace or in children living in areas where home paint contains lead.

    Diagnosis is determining the cause of an illness in people who have symptoms. If a doctor believes that a patient may have heavy metal poisoning, testing may be able to confirm the diagnosis and help determine the source of heavy metal exposure. Monitoring is part of the follow-up process to evaluate the response to treatment in people who have previously been diagnosed with heavy metal poisoning.