Ordering the Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine Test
The Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine test helps check for both important minerals and harmful metals in your body. This test is often used to find out if you have too much or too little of certain elements, like calcium, copper, or lead, which can affect how your body works. Interestingly, this test can also show if you have been exposed to metals like beryllium or thallium, which are not always checked in regular screenings.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Find out if you have high levels of heavy metals like mercury or arsenic.
- Check for low or high amounts of minerals such as zinc or selenium.
- Spot early signs of nutrient imbalances before symptoms appear.
- Track changes in your mineral and metal levels over time.
- Support your doctor in making decisions about your diet or environment.
Who Should Consider Heavy Metal and Nutrient Element Screening
People who have unexplained tiredness, trouble focusing, or muscle cramps may benefit from this test. For example, someone who works in an old building and starts to feel more tired than usual might want to check for lead or other metals.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Live in an area with known water contamination.
- Have a job that involves working with metals or chemicals.
- Eat a lot of fish or seafood, which can sometimes have mercury.
- Use well water that has not been tested for metals.
- Recently started using herbal supplements, as some can contain hidden metals.
Testing for these elements can help you find out if you have too much or too little of certain minerals or metals, which can affect your energy, mood, and how your body works. Waiting to order this test could mean missing early signs of a problem, making it harder to fix later. To get started, order your test today and take the next step toward finding answers.
How to Prepare for the Test
You do not need to fast before collecting your urine sample for this test, but be sure to follow the timing instructions for the 6-8 hour collection. Always follow any directions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected the right way.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Shows | Low and High Levels of Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nutrient Elements | |||
| Calcium | 100-300 mg/24hr | Calcium is needed for strong bones, muscles, and nerves. This test checks if your body is losing too much or too little calcium in urine. | High levels mean your body may be losing too much calcium, which can happen with certain kidney or hormone problems.
Low levels mean you may not be getting enough calcium or your body is holding onto it. |
| Copper | 15-50 µg/24hr | Copper helps with making red blood cells and keeping nerves healthy. This test shows if you have too much or too little copper in your body. | High levels mean possible copper overload, which can affect the liver and brain.
Low levels mean you may have trouble making red blood cells or nerve problems. |
| Magnesium | 73-122 mg/24hr | Magnesium is important for muscles, nerves, and energy. This test checks if your body is losing too much or too little magnesium. | High levels mean your kidneys may not be working well or you are losing too much magnesium.
Low levels mean you may not be getting enough magnesium or your body is holding onto it. |
| Potassium | 25-125 mmol/24hr | Potassium helps your muscles and heart work. This test shows if your body is losing too much or too little potassium in urine. | High levels mean your body may be losing too much potassium, which can affect your heart.
Low levels mean you may not be getting enough potassium or your kidneys are holding onto it. |
| Selenium | 10-30 µg/24hr | Selenium helps protect your cells and supports your immune system. This test checks if you have the right amount of selenium. | High levels mean you may be getting too much selenium, which can cause stomach or nerve problems.
Low levels mean you may have a weak immune system or trouble with thyroid hormones. |
| Zinc | 150-1200 µg/24hr | Zinc is needed for growth, healing, and fighting infections. This test shows if you have enough zinc in your body. | High levels mean you may be getting too much zinc, which can upset your stomach or lower copper levels.
Low levels mean you may have trouble healing or getting sick more often. |
| Highly Toxic Heavy Metals | |||
| Arsenic | <10 µg/L | Arsenic is a toxic metal that can come from water, food, or the environment. This test checks for unsafe levels in your body. | High levels mean you may have been exposed to arsenic, which can cause skin, nerve, or stomach problems.
Low levels mean no recent exposure to arsenic. |
| Cadmium | <1 µg/g creatinine | Cadmium is a metal found in batteries and some foods. This test checks if you have been exposed to too much cadmium. | High levels mean possible kidney or bone problems from cadmium exposure.
Low levels mean no recent exposure to cadmium. |
| Lead | <5 µg/dL | Lead can be found in old paint, pipes, or soil. This test checks if you have unsafe levels of lead in your body. | High levels mean you may have been exposed to lead, which can affect learning and behavior.
Low levels mean no recent exposure to lead. |
| Mercury | <10 µg/L | Mercury can come from fish, dental fillings, or the environment. This test checks for unsafe mercury levels in your body. | High levels mean you may have been exposed to mercury, which can affect nerves and kidneys.
Low levels mean no recent exposure to mercury. |
| Potentially Toxic Elements | |||
| Aluminum | <7 µg/L | Aluminum is found in some foods, water, and products. This test checks if you have too much aluminum in your body. | High levels mean possible exposure to aluminum, which can affect bones and the brain.
Low levels mean no recent exposure to aluminum. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available. Always check your report for the most current ranges.
Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine Test FAQ
Is there Nutrient & Toxic Elements: 6-8 Hour Urine testing near me?
This test is a kit you can use at home, and you can drop off your sample at a local draw location listed on the website. If you are worried about possible exposure to metals or minerals, having a nearby collection site makes it easier to get tested quickly and without extra travel.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your doctor should review your results, you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for clear answers and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes shipping the kit to you and back to the lab, but there may be a draw fee at the collection site. Testing for nutrient and toxic elements can help you find out if exposure is causing symptoms, so you can start making changes sooner.
How often should I retest?
It is usually recommended to retest every 6-12 months, especially if you have ongoing exposure or are making changes to your diet or environment. Regular testing helps you track progress and catch any new problems early.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), which is highly sensitive and specific for detecting metals and minerals in urine, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. 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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