What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like muscle weakness, breathing trouble, stomach upset, or irregular heartbeat and you have a known or suspected exposure to barium at work or in your environment. It's also useful if you've been exposed to barium compounds used in manufacturing, drilling, or certain medical imaging procedures and want to check whether levels in your blood are elevated. Many people use this test simply as a precaution after a possible workplace exposure.

How should I prepare for this test?

See the pre-collection instructions on your order confirmation.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each value shown alongside its normal range so you can see exactly where you stand. If your barium level comes back elevated, next steps typically include reducing further exposure and retesting to confirm the trend, while very high levels paired with symptoms like severe weakness or heart irregularities warrant seeking medical care right away. A standard lab report is available to download from your account whenever you need it. You can also track this and future results over time using the trends feature.

What is barium and why does it matter?

Barium is a metal found in soil, water, and certain industrial materials, and small amounts are naturally present in the body. Problems arise when someone is exposed to higher-than-normal amounts, usually through inhaling dust or fumes in certain jobs like mining, drilling, or manufacturing. Since barium can affect muscles, nerves, and the heart at high levels, checking blood levels helps confirm whether exposure has reached a concerning point.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be uploaded directly to your secure online account, and you'll be notified as soon as they're available. You won't need to call or follow up — everything shows up automatically when it's ready.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people who work in industries with known barium exposure, such as drilling, mining, metalworking, or manufacturing. It's also useful for anyone who has experienced an accidental exposure and wants to confirm their levels are safe. People living near industrial sites with known barium contamination in soil or water may also want to check their levels periodically.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for muscle weakness or paralysis, difficulty breathing, stomach cramps or vomiting, and an irregular or racing heartbeat, especially if you've had recent exposure to barium dust, fumes, or contaminated water. Headaches and unusual fatigue after working with barium-containing materials are also worth paying attention to. If these symptoms show up soon after a known exposure, testing can help confirm what's going on.

How can I naturally support recovery from barium exposure?

Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess barium naturally, since the body clears it primarily through urine. Eating a diet with adequate potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help support muscle and heart function, which barium can affect at high levels. Avoiding further exposure — for example, using proper protective equipment at work — is the most important step to let your levels return to normal.

What does high barium mean?

A high barium result usually means you've had significant recent exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact with barium-containing materials. This can sometimes cause muscle weakness, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm changes, so higher readings paired with symptoms should be taken seriously. Reducing exposure and retesting after some time is a reasonable first step, and severe symptoms should prompt seeking medical care right away.

How often should I retest?

If you work in an environment with ongoing barium exposure, retesting every few months can help you keep track of your levels over time. After a one-time accidental exposure, a follow-up test a few weeks later can confirm your levels are trending back to normal. Anyone without ongoing exposure typically doesn't need to retest unless symptoms reappear.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Barium Blood Test - Metal Exposure Screening

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]