Heavy Metals Blood
HMB
Description
Heavy Metals Blood test checks for toxic metals, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium, to see if they are affecting your health. Doctors often use this test to find out if you’ve been exposed to these metals recently or over a long period, especially if you live or work in places where exposure is common. A small blood sample is taken and tested to find out if the levels are too high, as these metals can harm your nervous system, kidneys, or other parts of your body. Symptoms like ongoing fatigue, stomach pain, or unusual nerve problems may suggest heavy metal exposure. This test is particularly helpful for people who work around industrial materials, live in polluted areas, or have unexplained health problems. The results can help your doctor understand what’s causing your symptoms and recommend treatments like chelation therapy, lifestyle changes, or regular monitoring.
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Whole Blood
Test Category
Metals, Minerals, Toxins
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Units
Micrograms Per Liter | Micromoles Per Liter
Test Groups
Metals Group: By assessing various metal levels and related parameters, it offers insights into metal toxicity as well as associated health conditions. Toxicity Group: This group encompasses tests aimed at evaluating exposure to various toxins and pollutants, providing insights into potential toxicological concerns and environmental exposures.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Arsenic: Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Barium: Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Cadmium: Conventional Unit: Not Available | SI Unit: Not Available
Cobalt: Conventional Unit: Not...
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Arsenic: Conventional Unit: <20.00 µg/L | SI Unit: <0.27 µmol/L
Barium: Conventional Unit: <10.00 µg/L | SI Unit: <0.07 µmol/L
Cadmium: Conventional Unit: <4.00 µg/L | SI Unit: <0.036 µmol/L
Cobalt: Conventional Unit:...
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Lead poisoning
Mercury toxicity
Arsenic poisoning
Cadmium exposure
Aluminum exposure
Nickel exposure
Hemochromatosis
Renal dysfunction
Wilson's disease
Thallium poisoning
Key Reasons For Testing
Occupational Exposure Assessment: Evaluates toxic metal exposure in industrial settings, aiding workplace safety and compliance.
Environmental Monitoring: Assesses heavy metal exposure from air, water, or food, guiding remediation efforts.
Diagnosis of Heavy Metal Poisoning: Identifies acute or chronic poisoning from ingestion or inhalation of toxic metals.
Treatment Monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of chelation therapy for heavy metal detoxification.
Preventive Screening: Screens at-risk individuals for early detection and intervention to prevent health complications.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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