What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained skin rashes, itching, or hand eczema that keeps coming back. It's also useful if you have contact dermatitis, hives, or asthma-like symptoms and suspect a metal exposure could be the trigger. Measuring nickel in your urine over 24 hours helps show whether your body is carrying an unusually high amount of this metal.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the amount of nickel excreted in your urine over a full 24-hour period, which gives a more complete picture than a single urine sample. Collecting urine over a full day helps smooth out normal hour-to-hour fluctuations, so the result better reflects your actual nickel exposure and how well your body is clearing it.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account, with your nickel level compared against a normal reference range so you can see exactly where you stand. If your level is elevated, simple next steps include identifying and limiting sources of nickel exposure, such as certain jewelry, tools, or foods, and retesting after a few weeks to see if levels drop. You can download a standard lab report straight from your account at any time. If you retest in the future, the trends feature lets you track your nickel levels over time.

How can I naturally support healthy nickel clearance?

Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys flush out excess metals like nickel more effectively. Avoiding known nickel sources, such as costume jewelry, stainless steel cookware with prolonged acidic food contact, and certain canned foods, can lower your ongoing exposure. Eating a diet rich in fiber and antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) supports your body's natural detox processes.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of the lab receiving your 24-hour urine sample. You'll get a notification once your report is available in your account, where you can view and download it anytime.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with recurring skin reactions like contact dermatitis, hand eczema, hives, or unexplained asthma flare-ups that seem tied to metal contact should consider this test. It's also worth doing if you work in a job with regular metal exposure, such as electroplating, welding, or jewelry making, or if you wear metal jewelry frequently and notice skin irritation underneath it.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include itchy or red skin where you wear jewelry or touch metal objects, persistent hand eczema, hives (urticaria), or target-shaped skin lesions known as erythema multiforme. Some people also notice asthma-like breathing symptoms that flare up around certain metal exposures. If these symptoms keep returning without an obvious cause, nickel exposure could be a factor worth checking.

What does a high nickel result mean?

A high result means your body has more nickel than expected, which can come from frequent skin contact with nickel-containing items, certain foods, or occupational exposure. This can contribute to allergic skin reactions, dermatitis, or respiratory symptoms in sensitive people. Reducing contact with known nickel sources and retesting later can help confirm whether levels come back down.

What causes high nickel levels?

High nickel levels are usually caused by repeated skin contact with nickel-plated jewelry, belt buckles, zippers, or eyeglass frames, or from handling coins and tools regularly. Occupational exposure in metalworking, welding, or battery manufacturing can also raise levels, as can eating certain nickel-rich foods like chocolate, nuts, and canned goods in some sensitive individuals. Using stainless steel cookware for long periods with acidic foods can add a smaller amount of exposure too.

How often should I retest?

If your first result comes back elevated and you make changes to reduce nickel exposure, retesting after 4 to 6 weeks is a reasonable timeframe to see if your levels have improved. If your levels are normal and you have no ongoing symptoms, you likely don't need to retest unless new symptoms appear or your exposure risk changes.

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.

Nickel 24-Hour Urine Test - Metal Allergy Check

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]

Nickel 24-Hour Urine Test for Skin Allergy Symptoms