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Heavy metals occur naturally in the environment, water, and some foods and medications. Heavy metals can enter your system by inhalation, skin absorption, or food consumption. Accumulation can lead to toxicity, which is harmful to your health.

You may need to test for heavy metals if you have had recent or long-term exposure to heavy metals or symptoms of toxicity.

Read on to learn more about heavy metals, when you should test for them, and poisoning symptoms. You can also check out our picks for the best heavy metal test kits.

A heavy metal test kit measures the presence of heavy metals in your body. Usually, the tests use a blood or urine sample, though it’s possible to use a hair, fingernail, or saliva sample.

Consider testing for heavy metals if you show symptoms of toxicity or have had chronic or recent exposure to heavy metals. Exposure to heavy metals is more likely if you live in an industrial area or a home that was built before 1978. Mining, manufacturing, and construction jobs can also cause exposure.

Children under the age of 6 may require lead testing. They are at a higher risk of lead poisoning, especially if they live in older or low income households.

Also, test for heavy metals if you have ever been a smoker, consume large amounts of seafood, or have a thyroid condition.

Elevated levels of heavy metals can cause health concerns.

According to Medline Plus, symptoms of heavy metal poisoning include:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says heavy metal poisoning can cause health concerns and death.

Mercury toxicity can lead to permanent damage to the nervous system and kidneys. Beryllium poisoning can lead to sensitization and lung and skin disease. Arsenic, lead, and cadmium toxicity can cause death.

Test kits can test for metals such as:

To select the best heavy metal test kits, we chose companies that provide transparency, excellent customer service, and quality products. The companies provide accurate results, which may include interpretations and insights.

The companies use certified labs that follow state and federal regulations, including certification from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

Price is indicated by a dollar sign as follows:

Read our review of Everlywell.

The Everlywell Heavy Metals Test detects levels of environmental heavy metals and essential trace minerals. To ensure accuracy, it measures creatinine as a laboratory control.

After receiving your test kit, you’ll register it online, collect a urine sample, and send it to the lab. You’ll receive your digital results within a few days, along with helpful insights and information.

The test measures levels of:

Read our review of HealthLabs.

The HealthLabs Comprehensive Heavy Metals Profile measures heavy metal and creatinine levels in the urine. You’ll need to go to a lab for testing, which helps to lower the chance of contamination. You’ll receive your results in 1 to 3 days.

The test measures levels of:

5Strands uses bioresonance technology to test for 60 metals and minerals and determine which ones are causing imbalances in your body. The test does not measure specific levels of these substances. Instead, you’ll receive a low, mild, or severe rating for each metal and mineral.

After receiving your kit, you can register it online, collect your hair sample, and send it to 5Strands. You’ll receive your digital results within 5 to 7 days.

You can use your results to identify intolerances or sensitivities and improve your diet and overall health. You may need to eliminate your intake of certain foods or reduce exposure to specific substances.

The Health Testing Centers Heavy Metal Basic 24-hour Urine Test detects the presence of 22 heavy metals. Your results can indicate recent or acute heavy metal exposure. You can also use this test to monitor levels following long-term heavy metal exposure.

After receiving your kit, collect your urine sample and send it to the laboratory. You’ll receive your results via email 2 to 3 days after the lab receives your sample.

The True Health Labs Heavy Metal Urine Test is excellent for observing levels of toxic substances and heavy metals as you eliminate them from your body. Once you send off your urine sample, the company will email your results within 7 to 10 business days.

For an additional fee, you can set up a lab results review with a doctor. They will help you to gain a better understanding of your results.

This test is not available in New York state.

Read our review of LetsGetChecked.

The LetsGetChecked Micronutrient Test is great for detecting mild mineral or vitamin imbalances. You can use your results to make dietary changes to enhance your immunity and overall well-being.

Once you activate your test, you can send your finger-prick blood sample to the lab. You’ll receive your online results in 2 to 5 days.

This test is not available in New York state.

To test for heavy metals, blood and urine tests are usually the most accurate.

You can use an at-home testing kit to detect heavy metal levels. Once you receive your test, you may need to register it online. Carefully follow the directions to collect a blood, urine, or hair sample and send it to the designated lab.

A heavy metal test checks levels of toxic metals in your body. Common heavy metals include lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. They may also test for copper, zinc, aluminum, and thallium.

You can use a heavy metal test kit to find out if you have heavy metal toxicity. This may be due to exposure through your environment, home, or workplace. Use this list as a starting point to select a heavy metal test that measures the metals to which you have exposure.

Once you receive your results, you can discuss them with a healthcare professional. They can let you know if you require treatment and additional tests.

Last medically reviewed on March 21, 2022

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