Definition
Heavy metals are natural metallic elements, which are harmful to us. Heavy metal profile allows us to detect elevated levels of these metals in the body. This test is frequently ordered for individuals suffering from symptoms of heavy metal poisoning or has been exposed to heavy metals.
Common heavy metals taken for testing are lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, zinc and aluminium.
How our body absorbs the metals:
Aluminium (Al): Inhalation, ingestion, working in ammunition, welding and cosmetics industry
Arsenic (As): Ingesting insecticides, pesticides or herbicides, drinking
Cadmium (Cd): Inhalation, welding industry, plastic industry, ingestion
Lead (Pb): Manufacturing of lead-based paints, solder, batteries, ammunition and welding/cutting of a lead-coated structure
Mercury (Hg): Mining, producing or transporting mercury, consuming contaminated fish or water
Zinc (Zn): Inhalation, ingestion, working in the welding industry
Procedure
You may collect the urine sample at any time of the day unless the doctor or nurse tells you otherwise. Once given the urine bottle, wash your hands. Start to pee and collect a sample of “mid-stream” urine.
Mid-stream urine means you don’t collect the first or last part of urine that comes out. This is because it may be contaminated with bacteria that stick around the skin of the tube that carries the urine out of the body (urethra), which will interfere with the results. Once done, place the urine bottle in the designated area.