What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained respiratory symptoms, chronic cough, or breathing difficulties that might be related to silicon or silica exposure. It helps identify elevated silicon levels in your blood, which can occur from occupational exposure in manufacturing, construction, or semiconductor industries, or from environmental sources. Many people use this test when they suspect workplace or environmental exposure is affecting their health but need concrete data to confirm it.

What's included in this test?

This test measures silicon levels in your blood to detect potential exposure from environmental or occupational sources. Silicon is abundant in the earth's crust and used extensively in manufacturing, semiconductors, and construction materials. Elevated levels can indicate exposure to silica dust, which is particularly important for understanding respiratory symptoms and preventing conditions like silicosis.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your silicon levels mean for your health and whether they indicate significant exposure. These notes include personalized recommendations such as reducing exposure sources, protective measures for occupational settings, or whether you should consult with an occupational health specialist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your silicon levels over time using our trends feature to monitor whether interventions are reducing your exposure.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for people who work in industries involving silicon manufacturing, semiconductor production, construction, mining, or glass manufacturing where silica dust exposure is common. It's also useful for anyone experiencing unexplained breathing problems, chronic cough, or other symptoms that might be related to environmental silicon exposure, or those who need baseline monitoring for occupational health purposes.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that suggest silicon exposure include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, or breathing difficulties that worsen over time. You might also experience fatigue, weight loss, or respiratory infections that don't resolve easily. If you work in environments with dust or particulate exposure and notice these respiratory symptoms, this test can help identify if silicon exposure is a contributing factor.

How can I reduce my silicon exposure?

If you work in high-risk industries, always wear appropriate respiratory protection like N95 masks or respirators when exposed to dust or particulates. Ensure proper ventilation in work areas and use dust suppression methods like water sprays when cutting or grinding materials. At home, avoid products with crystalline silica, maintain good indoor air quality, and shower and change clothes after work to reduce bringing contaminants home.

What is silicon and why does it matter for my health?

Silicon is one of the most common elements on Earth, making up about 25% of the earth's crust. While trace amounts are normal in the body, excessive exposure—particularly through inhaling silica dust—can damage lung tissue and cause serious respiratory conditions like silicosis. Monitoring silicon levels helps detect harmful exposure early, especially for people in at-risk occupations, allowing for protective measures before serious health problems develop.

What does high silicon mean?

Elevated silicon levels in your blood typically indicate recent or ongoing exposure to silicon-containing materials, most commonly from inhaling silica dust at work or in your environment. High levels don't automatically mean disease, but they signal the need for better protective measures and monitoring. Chronic high exposure can lead to lung inflammation and potentially silicosis, a serious lung condition, so it's important to identify and reduce exposure sources.

What causes high silicon levels?

High silicon levels usually result from occupational exposure in industries like construction, mining, glass manufacturing, semiconductor production, or sandblasting where silica dust is common. Environmental exposure from living near quarries, mines, or industrial sites can also contribute. Less commonly, certain supplements or medications containing silicon compounds might temporarily elevate levels. The most concerning cause is chronic inhalation of crystalline silica dust, which can lead to lung damage over time.

How often should I retest my silicon levels?

If you have occupational exposure to silicon or silica dust, annual testing is recommended as part of workplace health monitoring programs. If your initial test shows elevated levels, your doctor may recommend retesting every 3-6 months to track whether exposure reduction measures are working. For baseline monitoring without symptoms or known exposure, retesting every 1-2 years is typically sufficient.

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.

Silicon Exposure Test - Check Respiratory Health

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]