Ordering the Heavy Metals 24Hr – Urine Test
The Heavy Metals 24Hr – Urine Test from Great Plains Labs helps check for exposure to metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, which can build up in the body from sources such as water, food, or work environments. Interestingly, this test can also detect less common metals like thallium and uranium, which are sometimes found in industrial pollution or contaminated soil.
Ordering this test gives you a clear picture of your body’s exposure to both toxic and essential metals over a full day. Benefits of ordering include:
- Detects both short-term and long-term exposure to heavy metals
- Measures essential minerals and their ratios for a more complete assessment
- Supports monitoring during chelation therapy or detox programs
- Helps identify possible sources of unexplained symptoms like memory loss or mood swings
- Provides data to guide changes in diet, environment, or supplements
Who Should Consider Heavy Metal and Mineral Urine Analysis
People who work in factories, live near industrial areas, or have unexplained symptoms like brain fog or fatigue may benefit from this test. For example, a parent noticing their child’s sudden trouble with learning or behavior might want to check for hidden metal exposure.
Ordering may also be helpful in these situations:
- Living in an older home with possible lead pipes
- Using well water in areas with known arsenic contamination
- Following a seafood-rich diet, which can increase mercury exposure
- Experiencing skin rashes or allergies after wearing metal jewelry
- Having a history of working with ceramics or stained glass, where cadmium and other metals are used
Testing for heavy metals and minerals can reveal hidden exposures that may affect memory, mood, or organ function. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of metal buildup, which may become harder to manage if not addressed promptly.
Preparing for a 24-Hour Urine Metal and Mineral Test
Fasting is not required for this test, but you will need to collect all urine over a 24-hour period for the most complete results. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected and handled correctly.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Heavy Metals 24Hr – Urine Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | Significance | Low and High Levels of Heavy Metals 24Hr – Urine Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Elements | |||
| Calcium | 100-300 | Calcium is important for bones, nerves, and muscles. This test shows how much calcium your body is getting rid of in urine. | High levels mean possible bone loss or too much calcium in the diet.
Low levels mean possible low intake or problems with absorption. |
| Magnesium | 60-120 | Magnesium helps with muscle and nerve function. The test checks if your body is losing too much or too little magnesium. | High levels mean your body may be losing too much magnesium.
Low levels mean possible deficiency or poor intake. |
| Sodium | 40-220 | Sodium is needed for fluid balance and nerves. This test shows if your kidneys are working well to control sodium. | High levels mean possible kidney issues or high salt intake.
Low levels mean dehydration or low salt intake. |
| Potassium | 25-125 | Potassium helps muscles and the heart. The test checks if your body is losing too much or too little potassium. | High levels mean possible kidney problems or high intake.
Low levels mean possible deficiency or loss from vomiting/diarrhea. |
| Copper | 10-60 | Copper is needed for making red blood cells and keeping nerves healthy. This test checks for copper loss or buildup. | High levels mean possible copper overload or liver issues.
Low levels mean possible deficiency or absorption problems. |
| Zinc | 150-1200 | Zinc helps the immune system and wound healing. The test shows if your body is losing too much or too little zinc. | High levels mean possible excess intake or kidney issues.
Low levels mean possible deficiency or poor absorption. |
| Manganese | 0.5-4.0 | Manganese is needed for bones and metabolism. This test checks for too much or too little manganese in the body. | High levels mean possible overexposure or liver issues.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Chromium | 0.1-1.0 | Chromium helps control blood sugar. The test shows if your body is getting enough or too much chromium. | High levels mean possible overexposure from supplements or work.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Vanadium | 0.01-0.2 | Vanadium is a trace mineral that may help with blood sugar. This test checks for exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible industrial exposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Molybdenum | 0.05-0.5 | Molybdenum helps break down certain amino acids. The test checks for too much or too little molybdenum. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Boron | 0.5-3.0 | Boron supports bone health and hormone balance. This test checks for boron exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Iodine | 100-400 | Iodine is needed for thyroid function. The test shows if your body is getting enough or too much iodine. | High levels mean possible overexposure from supplements.
Low levels mean possible deficiency affecting thyroid. |
| Lithium | 0.01-0.2 | Lithium is a trace mineral that can affect mood. This test checks for exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Phosphorus | 400-1300 | Phosphorus is needed for bones and energy. The test shows if your body is losing too much or too little phosphorus. | High levels mean possible kidney issues.
Low levels mean possible deficiency or malnutrition. |
| Selenium | 20-100 | Selenium helps protect cells from damage. This test checks for selenium exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Strontium | 0.1-1.0 | Strontium supports bone health. The test checks for exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Sulfur | Varies | Sulfur is needed for detox and making proteins. The test checks for sulfur balance in the body. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Cobalt | 0.1-1.0 | Cobalt is part of vitamin B12. This test checks for cobalt exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Iron | 10-30 | Iron is needed for red blood cells. The test shows if your body is losing too much or too little iron. | High levels mean possible overload or supplement use.
Low levels mean possible deficiency or blood loss. |
| Germanium | 0.01-0.1 | Germanium is a trace mineral. The test checks for exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Rubidium | 0.1-1.0 | Rubidium is a trace mineral. The test checks for exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Zirconium | 0.01-0.1 | Zirconium is a trace mineral. The test checks for exposure or deficiency. | High levels mean possible overexposure.
Low levels mean possible deficiency. |
| Element Ratios | |||
| Calcium/Magnesium | 2.0-4.0 | This ratio helps show if calcium and magnesium are balanced. Imbalance can affect muscles, nerves, and bones. | High levels mean too much calcium compared to magnesium.
Low levels mean too much magnesium compared to calcium. |
| Sodium/Potassium | 1.0-3.0 | This ratio shows if sodium and potassium are balanced. Imbalance can affect blood pressure and heart function. | High levels mean too much sodium compared to potassium.
Low levels mean too much potassium compared to sodium. |
| Zinc/Copper | 8-12 | This ratio helps show if zinc and copper are balanced. Imbalance can affect the immune system and energy. | High levels mean too much zinc compared to copper.
Low levels mean too much copper compared to zinc. |
| Zinc/Cadmium | >100 | This ratio shows if zinc is high enough compared to cadmium, a toxic metal. Low ratios may mean higher cadmium exposure. | High levels mean good zinc protection against cadmium.
Low levels mean possible cadmium exposure. |
| Calcium/Phosphorus | 1.5-2.5 | This ratio helps show if calcium and phosphorus are balanced for bone health. | High levels mean too much calcium compared to phosphorus.
Low levels mean too much phosphorus compared to calcium. |
| Toxic Metals | |||
| Aluminum | 0.0-7.0 | Aluminum can come from cookware, water, or work. The test checks for buildup that may affect nerves or kidneys. | High levels mean possible exposure from environment or products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Antimony | 0.0-1.0 | Antimony is used in batteries and flame retardants. The test checks for exposure that may affect the lungs or heart. | High levels mean possible industrial or product exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Arsenic | 0.0-50.0 | Arsenic can be found in water, rice, or seafood. The test checks for exposure that may affect nerves, skin, or digestion. | High levels mean possible exposure from water, food, or work.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Barium | 0.0-2.0 | Barium is used in industry and medical tests. The test checks for exposure that may affect the heart or muscles. | High levels mean possible industrial or medical exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Beryllium | 0.0-0.1 | Beryllium is used in electronics and aerospace. The test checks for exposure that may affect the lungs. | High levels mean possible work or environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Bismuth | 0.0-1.0 | Bismuth is found in some medicines and cosmetics. The test checks for exposure that may affect the kidneys or nerves. | High levels mean possible exposure from products or medicine.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Cadmium | 0.0-2.0 | Cadmium is found in batteries, tobacco, and some foods. The test checks for exposure that may affect the kidneys or bones. | High levels mean possible exposure from smoking, work, or food.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Lead | 0.0-5.0 | Lead can come from old paint, pipes, or soil. The test checks for exposure that may affect the brain, nerves, or blood. | High levels mean possible exposure from environment or products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Mercury | 0.0-10.0 | Mercury is found in fish, dental fillings, and some work settings. The test checks for exposure that may affect the brain or kidneys. | High levels mean possible exposure from seafood, fillings, or work.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Platinum | 0.0-0.5 | Platinum is used in jewelry and industry. The test checks for exposure that may affect the kidneys or nerves. | High levels mean possible industrial or jewelry exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Thallium | 0.0-0.5 | Thallium is used in electronics and pesticides. The test checks for exposure that may affect nerves or the heart. | High levels mean possible industrial or environmental exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Thorium | 0.0-0.1 | Thorium is a radioactive metal found in some industries. The test checks for exposure that may affect organs. | High levels mean possible industrial exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Uranium | 0.0-0.1 | Uranium is a radioactive metal found in some water and soil. The test checks for exposure that may affect the kidneys. | High levels mean possible environmental or work exposure.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Nickel | 0.0-5.0 | Nickel is found in coins, jewelry, and some foods. The test checks for exposure that may cause allergies or affect organs. | High levels mean possible exposure from jewelry, coins, or food.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Silver | 0.0-1.0 | Silver is used in jewelry, coins, and some medicines. The test checks for exposure that may affect organs. | High levels mean possible exposure from products or medicine.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Tin | 0.0-2.0 | Tin is used in cans and some products. The test checks for exposure that may affect the stomach or nerves. | High levels mean possible exposure from cans or products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
| Titanium | 0.0-1.0 | Titanium is used in implants, paint, and sunscreen. The test checks for exposure that may affect organs. | High levels mean possible exposure from implants or products.
Low levels mean little or no exposure. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Heavy Metals 24Hr – Urine Test FAQ
Is there Heavy Metals 24Hr – Urine Test testing near me?
This is a test kit you can collect at home, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for local options. Since heavy metal exposure can come from your home, work, or environment, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and start addressing any possible sources.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should help you interpret your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand your results and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test is worth it if you have unexplained symptoms like fatigue or memory problems, as it can help you find and address possible metal exposure sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6 to 12 months, especially if you have ongoing exposure risks or are following a detox or chelation program. Regular testing helps track changes and makes it easier to adjust your plan if your levels change over time.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is highly sensitive and specific for detecting metals in urine. The specificity is 99.5% and sensitivity is 98.7%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test can not be collected or mailed from New York State. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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