Ordering the Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine | Canada
Ordering the Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine test helps check for both important minerals and harmful metals in your body. This test can show if you have too much or too little of certain nutrients, or if you have been exposed to toxic elements that may cause problems like tiredness, trouble focusing, or skin rashes. Interestingly, this test can sometimes reveal hidden exposures to metals from sources like old plumbing or certain foods, which may not show up in blood tests.
When ordering this test, you can expect these specific benefits:
- Detects early signs of mineral deficiency or overload before symptoms become severe
- Identifies exposure to heavy metals that may not be obvious from your daily environment
- Helps track the effectiveness of detox or chelation therapies
- Supports targeted nutrition plans by showing which minerals need attention
- Provides a clear picture of both nutrient and toxic element levels in one collection
Who Should Consider Heavy Metal and Mineral Testing
People who have ongoing tiredness, trouble with memory, or frequent headaches may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has recently moved into an older home and starts to notice muscle weakness and mood swings might want to check for hidden metal exposure or mineral imbalances.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Unexplained digestive problems that do not improve with diet changes
- Children with learning or behavior changes that are not linked to other causes
- Adults with sudden hair loss or skin rashes that do not respond to usual treatments
- People who work in jobs with possible metal exposure, like construction or manufacturing
- Those who use herbal supplements from overseas, as some may contain hidden metals
Checking for nutrient and toxic element levels can help find the cause of symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or trouble sleeping, and guide the right treatment. Waiting to order this test could mean missing the chance to catch a problem early, which may make symptoms harder to manage later.
How to Prepare for Mineral and Heavy Metal Screening
Fasting is not needed for this test, but you should collect your urine sample over a 6-8 hour period as directed in the kit instructions. Always follow any directions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way and your results are as helpful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Elements | |||
| Calcium | 100-300 mg/24hr | Calcium is needed for strong bones, muscle movement, and nerve function. This test shows how much calcium your body is getting rid of in urine. |
High levels mean your body may be losing too much calcium, which can weaken bones or point to kidney issues.
Low levels mean you may not be getting enough calcium or your body is holding onto it, which can affect muscles and nerves. |
| Copper | 15-50 µg/24hr | Copper helps make red blood cells and keeps nerves and the immune system working. This test checks if copper is balanced in your body. |
High levels mean possible copper overload, which can cause stomach pain or mood changes.
Low levels mean you may have trouble making red blood cells or feel weak. |
| Magnesium | 73-122 mg/24hr | Magnesium is important for muscles, nerves, and energy. This test shows if your body is losing too much or too little magnesium. |
High levels mean your body may be getting rid of too much magnesium, which can cause muscle weakness.
Low levels mean you may not have enough magnesium, which can lead to cramps or tiredness. |
| Potassium | 25-125 mmol/24hr | Potassium helps control heart rhythm and muscle function. This test checks if your body is keeping the right amount of potassium. |
High levels mean your kidneys may not be working well or you are losing too much potassium.
Low levels mean you may have muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat. |
| Selenium | 10-30 µg/24hr | Selenium protects cells from damage and supports the immune system. This test shows if you have enough selenium or too much. |
High levels mean possible selenium overload, which can cause stomach upset or hair loss.
Low levels mean you may have a weaker immune system or feel tired. |
| Zinc | 150-1200 µg/24hr | Zinc helps with growth, healing, and fighting infections. This test checks if your zinc levels are in a healthy range. |
High levels mean you may be taking too much zinc, which can upset your stomach.
Low levels mean you may get sick more often or have slow wound healing. |
| Highly Toxic Heavy Metals | |||
| Arsenic | <50 µg/24hr | Arsenic is a toxic metal that can come from water, food, or the environment. This test checks if you have been exposed to too much arsenic. |
High levels mean you may have been exposed to arsenic, which can cause stomach pain or skin changes.
Low levels mean normal exposure or no recent contact with arsenic. |
| Cadmium | <2 µg/24hr | Cadmium is a metal found in batteries, some foods, and cigarette smoke. This test shows if you have too much cadmium in your body. |
High levels mean possible kidney or bone problems from cadmium exposure.
Low levels mean little or no recent exposure to cadmium. |
| Lead | <5 µg/24hr | Lead is a harmful metal that can come from old paint, pipes, or dust. This test checks if you have been exposed to lead. |
High levels mean possible lead poisoning, which can cause learning or behavior problems.
Low levels mean no recent or ongoing lead exposure. |
| Mercury | <10 µg/24hr | Mercury can come from fish, dental fillings, or the environment. This test shows if you have too much mercury in your body. |
High levels mean possible mercury poisoning, which can cause tremors or trouble thinking.
Low levels mean no recent or ongoing mercury exposure. |
| Potentially Toxic Elements | |||
| Aluminum | <7 µg/24hr | Aluminum is found in some cookware, medicines, and food additives. This test checks if you have too much aluminum in your body. |
High levels mean possible aluminum buildup, which can affect memory or cause bone pain.
Low levels mean no recent or ongoing aluminum exposure. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available. Always check your report for the most current reference values.
Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine FAQ
Is there Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine testing near me?
This is a test kit you can use at home, and you can find a local collection site using the draw location link at the top of the page. If you have symptoms like fatigue or trouble concentrating, being able to collect your sample nearby makes it easier to get answers quickly and without extra travel.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should always review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand what your numbers mean and what steps you can take next.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for this test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find out if hidden metal exposure or mineral imbalances are causing your symptoms, so you can start feeling better sooner.
How often should I retest?
It is usually recommended to retest every 6-12 months, especially if you are being treated for metal exposure or mineral imbalance. Regular retesting helps track changes and makes sure your treatment or prevention plan is working as expected.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), which is highly sensitive and specific for detecting metals and minerals in urine. The specificity is 99% and sensitivity is 98%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
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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