This test is ideal if you're undergoing chemotherapy with platinum-based drugs like cisplatin or carboplatin, as it helps monitor drug levels to ensure safe and effective treatment. It's also important if you have occupational exposure to platinum compounds through jewelry manufacturing, catalytic converter production, or industrial work. Many people use this test to confirm exposure levels or ensure platinum from medications isn't accumulating to toxic levels in their body.
What's included in this test?
This test measures platinum concentration in your blood serum or plasma to detect and quantify platinum exposure. It evaluates whether you've been exposed to platinum compounds and monitors therapeutic drug levels if you're receiving platinum-based chemotherapy. This measurement helps ensure cancer treatment is safe and effective while preventing toxicity, and it can also identify environmental or occupational exposure that may require intervention.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your platinum levels mean for your health and treatment safety. These notes include personalized recommendations on whether your chemotherapy dosing needs adjustment, if further monitoring is necessary, or if occupational safety measures should be enhanced. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your platinum levels over time using our trends feature, which is especially helpful for ongoing chemotherapy monitoring or workplace exposure management.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is essential for anyone receiving platinum-based chemotherapy drugs to monitor treatment effectiveness and prevent toxicity. It's also important for workers in industries with platinum exposure, such as jewelry making, catalytic converter manufacturing, or chemical processing. Additionally, people who suspect accidental exposure to platinum compounds or those experiencing unexplained symptoms after potential contact should consider testing.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
If you're on platinum-based chemotherapy and experiencing severe nausea, kidney problems, hearing loss, or unusual numbness and tingling, you may need this test to check for toxic levels. Workers with platinum exposure who develop respiratory issues, skin rashes, or allergic reactions should get tested. Anyone with unexplained symptoms after potential platinum contact, including persistent metallic taste or unusual fatigue, may benefit from this test.
What does high platinum mean?
High platinum levels typically indicate significant exposure from chemotherapy or occupational sources. In chemotherapy patients, elevated levels may increase the risk of side effects like kidney damage, nerve damage, hearing loss, or severe nausea. For occupational exposure, high levels suggest inadequate safety measures and may require immediate intervention to prevent long-term health effects including respiratory problems and allergic sensitization.
What causes high platinum levels?
High platinum levels are most commonly caused by platinum-based chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin, carboplatin, or oxaliplatin used to treat various cancers. Occupational exposure from working with platinum compounds in manufacturing, refining, or jewelry production can also elevate levels. Less commonly, environmental exposure from catalytic converters, dental materials, or accidental ingestion of platinum-containing substances can cause elevated readings.
How can I reduce platinum exposure naturally?
If you have occupational exposure, use proper protective equipment including respirators, gloves, and protective clothing, and ensure adequate workplace ventilation. Stay well-hydrated to help your kidneys naturally eliminate platinum compounds from your body. For chemotherapy patients, work closely with your oncologist to manage dosing and timing, and consider antioxidant-rich foods like berries and leafy greens to support your body's detoxification systems, though always discuss supplements with your doctor first.
How often should I retest my platinum levels?
If you're receiving platinum-based chemotherapy, your doctor will typically retest before each treatment cycle or every 2-4 weeks to monitor accumulation and adjust dosing as needed. For occupational monitoring, quarterly or biannual testing is common depending on exposure intensity and workplace regulations. If you had a one-time exposure concern and levels are normal, a follow-up test in 3-6 months may be sufficient to ensure proper clearance.
What should I do if my platinum levels are abnormal?
If you're on chemotherapy and levels are high, your oncologist may adjust your dosing schedule, extend time between treatments, or switch medications to prevent toxicity while maintaining cancer treatment. For occupational exposure, immediately review workplace safety protocols, enhance protective equipment, and reduce exposure duration until levels normalize. In both cases, increase hydration, support kidney function through proper nutrition, and schedule follow-up testing to monitor how your body clears the platinum over time.
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Demo results
Platinum2.8 mcg/L
Demo results
Normal < 0.5Elevated ≥ 0.5
2.8 mcg/L
What this means
Your platinum level is elevated, indicating current or recent exposure to platinum compounds. This could be from ongoing chemotherapy treatment or occupational exposure, and may require monitoring to prevent toxicity or ensure treatment effectiveness.
Recommended actions
Discuss results with your oncologist or occupational health physician to review treatment dosing or workplace safety measures
Stay well-hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily to support kidney clearance of platinum
If occupational exposure, review and enhance protective equipment use and workplace ventilation
Schedule follow-up testing in 2-4 weeks to monitor platinum clearance and adjust treatment or safety protocols
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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Blood Test for Platinum Exposure and Chemotherapy Monitoring