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Match the metal and specimen to your question

Each of these answers a different metals question — which metal, and which specimen.

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Heavy metal testing uses blood or urine specimens to measure selected metals associated with environmental, occupational, dietary, or other exposure questions. Options differ by specimen type and by whether you need a panel or a targeted result for lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, or chromium. A heavy metal test can help establish a measured baseline or follow an identified exposure concern; it does not diagnose the source of exposure or an illness by itself. Start by matching the metal named in your concern and the requested specimen type to the test option.

Blood and urine answer different collection questions

Blood-based options directly measure the metals named in the order. Heavy Metals Panel, Blood measures lead (venous), arsenic in blood, and mercury in blood together, while Lead, Blood and Mercury Blood isolate one result when the concern is already specific. Urine options are identified by their collection format: Heavy Metals Panel, Random Urine uses a random urine specimen, and Heavy Metals Panel with Cadmium, Random Urine explicitly includes cadmium. The requested specimen matters because blood and urine results are not interchangeable. Use the collection type requested by an occupational program or clinician, especially when comparing results over time.

Match a panel to the exposure question

A three-metal blood panel is practical when the question involves lead, arsenic, and mercury together. A focused Lead, Blood order provides a venous lead result without the additional arsenic and mercury measurements. For an OSHA-related lead request, Lead (Venous), OSHA and Zinc Protoporphyrin Evaluation pairs venous lead testing with zinc protoporphyrin evaluation. Random urine choices distinguish a general Heavy Metals Panel, Random Urine from Heavy Metals Panel with Cadmium, Random Urine, which names cadmium as an included measurement. Results should be reviewed with the exposure history, specimen type, timing, and symptoms when those factors are relevant.

Heavy Metals FAQ

A heavy metal test measures one or more named metals in blood or urine. Heavy Metals Panel, Blood measures lead (venous), arsenic in blood, and mercury in blood. Other available choices focus on lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, or chromium, while certain urine panels are defined by random or 24-hour collection and whether cadmium is included.

Heavy Metals Panel, Blood is useful when you need results for lead (venous), arsenic in blood, and mercury in blood from one blood collection. It addresses a question involving all three named metals rather than a single-metal concern. A result still needs to be considered alongside the timing and nature of a possible exposure.

Lead, Blood measures lead (venous) alone. Lead (Venous), OSHA and Zinc Protoporphyrin Evaluation pairs venous lead testing with zinc protoporphyrin evaluation, making it the more specific match for a request that names both components or is OSHA-related. They should not be treated as identical orders because the second test includes the additional evaluation.

Heavy Metals Panel, Random Urine is a random urine panel, while Heavy Metals Panel with Cadmium, Random Urine explicitly includes cadmium. That stated cadmium inclusion is the practical distinction when cadmium has been named in an exposure question. A random urine specimen is different from a timed 24-hour urine collection, so use the collection format requested for your situation.

Mercury Blood measures mercury in blood without adding lead or arsenic measurements. It fits a question specifically centered on mercury, whereas Heavy Metals Panel, Blood measures mercury alongside lead (venous) and arsenic in blood. Selecting between them depends on whether those additional measured results are needed for the question being evaluated.

Aluminum, Blood measures aluminum in a blood specimen. It is a focused option when aluminum is the metal named in an exposure concern or requested evaluation. It does not provide lead, arsenic, or mercury results, so it answers a different question than Heavy Metals Panel, Blood. Professional review is important when a result is being considered with symptoms or a known exposure.

Specimen type matters because a blood result and a urine result are reported from different collections and should not be assumed to mean the same thing. Heavy Metals Panel, Blood uses blood and names lead, arsenic, and mercury; Heavy Metals Panel, Random Urine uses random urine. Follow the specimen type specified by the requesting professional or program when one has been provided.

No. A measured metal result does not identify a specific exposure source by itself. Information such as the metal measured, whether blood or urine was used, collection timing, work activities, food or environmental history, and symptoms helps place the number in perspective. Discuss concerning results with a qualified healthcare professional or occupational health resource.

Ordering & Results FAQ

You'll receive it via email within 60 seconds of your order unless it requires additional processing (only very complex orders do).

Many general wellness test results are typically available online within 2-3 business days. However, some tests will require additional processing time. You will immediately receive an email & SMS notification when your results are available.

We do not share your results with your physician, insurance company, or any other third party.

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