Question 1

What is Arsenic Poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic poisoning is a toxic condition that occurs when dangerous levels of arsenic accumulate in the body. It is caused by exposure to inorganic arsenic through contaminated drinking water, occupational exposure, or consumption of contaminated food sources. The Heavy Metals Panel Blood Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures arsenic concentrations in the bloodstream along with other toxic metals.

Question 2

What causes arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Arsenic poisoning is caused by exposure to toxic levels of arsenic, primarily through contaminated drinking water from wells in areas with high natural arsenic deposits. Other common sources include occupational exposure in industries like mining, smelting, or pesticide manufacturing, consumption of rice grown in contaminated soil, and seafood from polluted waters. Long-term exposure to even low levels of arsenic can accumulate in the body and cause poisoning over time.

Question 3

What is the best test for arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

The Heavy Metals Panel Blood Test is the most important test for arsenic poisoning because it directly measures the concentration of arsenic in your bloodstream along with other toxic metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium. This comprehensive panel provides definitive evidence of toxic exposure and helps determine the severity of poisoning. Blood testing is particularly useful for detecting recent acute exposure, while urine testing may also be recommended for evaluating chronic long-term exposure patterns.

Question 4

When should I get tested for arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms like severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, or chronic diarrhea, especially if you drink well water or live in an area with known arsenic contamination. Other warning signs include unusual skin changes like darkening or thickening, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, unexplained fatigue, or if you work in high-risk industries like mining or pesticide manufacturing. Testing is also recommended if you regularly consume high-risk foods like rice products or seafood from potentially contaminated areas.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of arsenic poisoning vary depending on whether exposure is acute or chronic. Acute poisoning causes severe abdominal pain, vomiting, watery diarrhea, blood in urine, muscle cramping, and abnormal heart rhythms. Chronic exposure leads to skin changes including darkening and thickening of skin, white lines on fingernails, persistent numbness or burning sensations in hands and feet, chronic digestive problems, and unexplained weakness. Long-term exposure can also cause more serious complications like cardiovascular disease and increased cancer risk.

Question 6

Who is at risk for arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

People who drink water from private wells in areas with high natural arsenic levels are at highest risk, particularly in regions of the United States like parts of the Southwest, Midwest, and New England. Workers in industries involving mining, metal smelting, wood preservation, or pesticide manufacturing face occupational exposure risks. Those who regularly consume large amounts of rice or rice-based products, live near industrial sites or former orchards treated with arsenic pesticides, or eat seafood from contaminated waters also have increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if arsenic poisoning is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated arsenic poisoning can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Chronic exposure increases the risk of various cancers including skin, bladder, lung, and liver cancer. Cardiovascular problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and blood vessel damage become more likely. Neurological damage can cause permanent nerve dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and peripheral neuropathy. Other serious complications include diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure, and respiratory problems. Early detection and removal from the arsenic source are crucial for preventing these long-term health consequences.

Question 8

Can arsenic poisoning be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, arsenic poisoning can be diagnosed with a blood test, specifically the Heavy Metals Panel Blood Test. This test measures the concentration of arsenic in your bloodstream and is particularly effective for detecting recent acute exposure within the past few days. Blood testing provides quick results that help doctors confirm poisoning and begin treatment promptly. For suspected chronic exposure, doctors may also recommend urine testing, which can detect arsenic exposure over a longer time period and provides information about your body's ability to eliminate the toxin.

Question 9

How is arsenic poisoning treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for arsenic poisoning begins with immediately removing the source of exposure, whether that means switching to safe drinking water, leaving a contaminated work environment, or eliminating contaminated foods from your diet. For acute severe poisoning, chelation therapy using medications like dimercaprol or DMSA may be administered to bind arsenic and help your body eliminate it faster. Supportive care includes intravenous fluids for dehydration, medications to control symptoms like nausea and pain, and monitoring of heart and kidney function. Long-term management involves regular testing to ensure arsenic levels decrease and monitoring for potential complications.

Question 10

How can I prevent arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

Prevention starts with testing your water supply, especially if you use a private well, and installing appropriate filtration systems like reverse osmosis or activated alumina filters if arsenic is detected. Diversify your diet to include various grains beyond rice, and rinse rice thoroughly before cooking. If you work in high-risk industries, follow all safety protocols including wearing protective equipment and practicing good hygiene. Avoid living near industrial sites or former agricultural areas that may have arsenic contamination, and be cautious about seafood sources. Regular testing can catch exposure early before serious health problems develop.

Question 11

What can I do at home for arsenic poisoning?

Accepted Answer

While medical treatment is essential for arsenic poisoning, supporting your body's detoxification at home can be helpful alongside professional care. Drink plenty of clean, arsenic-free water to help flush toxins from your system. Eat a nutrient-rich diet with foods high in antioxidants like fruits and vegetables, selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, and sulfur-containing vegetables like garlic and onions which may support detoxification. Avoid further exposure by eliminating contaminated water and food sources immediately. However, do not attempt to self-treat arsenic poisoning without medical supervision, as severe cases require immediate professional intervention and chelation therapy.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Arsenic Poisoning Blood Test

What is Arsenic Poisoning?

What causes arsenic poisoning?

What is the best test for arsenic poisoning?

When should I get tested for arsenic poisoning?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything