Heavy Metals Testing
A laboratory panel that measures selected heavy metals to help assess possible exposure. The exact analytes and specimen depend on the ordered test.
["This test can help determine whether you have been exposed to certain heavy metals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 64717-2
- Short code
- Heavy alc last 3Mo preg nRate PhenX
- Synonyms
- Heavy alc last 3Mo preg nRate PhenX
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- 20 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- phenx
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Heavy metals testing measures the amount of selected metals in a laboratory specimen. Depending on the panel, it may assess exposure to metals such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, or other substances.
Why might I need this test?
This test may be ordered if you have had occupational or environmental contact with metals, consumed contaminated food or water, used certain imported products or remedies, or experienced symptoms that could be related to exposure.
How is the test performed?
A laboratory analyzes a specimen for the metals included in the panel. Blood or urine specimens are commonly used, and the collection method and laboratory analysis depend on the specific test ordered.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow any instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Tell the laboratory about occupational exposures, supplements, traditional remedies, and recent use of imported products, because these can affect the result. Do not stop medicines or fast unless specifically instructed.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated result may indicate recent or ongoing exposure to the measured metal, although interpretation depends on the specific metal, specimen, collection time, and laboratory method. Results can also be affected by supplements, occupational contact, or contaminated products. If an unexpectedly high result is found, your healthcare professional may recommend repeat testing and advise on reducing exposure.
Short name
Heavy metals test
Frequently asked questions
Does a heavy metals test check for every metal?
Why might the same metal be measured in blood and urine?
Can supplements or traditional remedies affect the results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy