Heavy Metals Test (Urine)

Description

METALS URINE TEST

Heavy metals toxicity caused by increasing levels of pollution and use of chemicals in industry is a growing threat to our health and development of our children. High levels of toxic metals deposited in body tissues and subsequently in the brain, may cause significant developmental and neurological damage.

WHY CHOOSE METALS URINE TEST?
Toxic metals do not have any useful physiological function, adversely affect almost every organ system, and disrupt the homeostasis of nutrient elements.

Analysis of the levels of toxic metals in urine after the administration of a metal detoxification agent is an objective way to evaluate the accumulation of toxic metals. Acute metal poisoning is rare. More common, however, is a chronic, low-level exposure to toxic metals that can result in significant retention in the body that can be associated with a vast array of adverse health effects and chronic disease. One cannot draw valid conclusions about adverse health effects of metals without assessing net retention. For an individual, toxicity occurs when net retention exceeds physiological tolerance. Net retention is determined by the difference between the rates of assimilation and excretion of metals. To evaluate net retention, one compares the levels of metals in urine before and after the administration of 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. Guidelines for collection periods after administration of the most commonly utilized agents are provided in the table below:

COMMON AGENTS
EDTA
DMPS (IV)
DMPS (oral)
DMSA

Many clinicians request the analysis of essential elements in urine specimens to evaluate nutritional status and the efficacy 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.

Chromium metabolism authorities suggest that 24-hour chromium excretion likely provides the best assessment of chromium status. 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.

CLINICAL USEFULNESS
-Determine if metal toxicity or mineral deficiency is contributing to the disorder
-Monitor the effects of chelation (elimination of heavy metals from the body)
-Identify if supplementation of important minerals may bring about significant improvements.

INCLUDES:

√ Lab Test
√ Doctor’s Review of Test Results
√ Doctor’s Recommended Course of Action

NOTE: This test is not available to residents of New York. Any orders originating from New York will automatically be canceled and samples discarded.

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider if you are taking any medication.