Ulta Lab Tests

Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins - Essential Lab Panel

The Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Essential Lab Panel includes 10 tests and 98 biomarkers to support a focused review of common heavy metal exposure markers, kidney filtration, liver processing, inflammation, blood health, and iron status. It includes blood and urine heavy metals testing, CBC, CMP, cystatin C with eGFR, urinalysis, GGT, ferritin, iron/TIBC, and hs-CRP for provider-guided exposure review.

Blood, Serum, Urine, Random
Phlebotomist

Heavy Metals Essential Panel, Environmental Toxins Essential Panel, Heavy Metal Screening Panel, Toxic Metals Lab Panel, Heavy Metals Blood and Urine Panel, Environmental Exposure Lab Panel, Heavy Metals Detox Support Panel,

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they normally make up only 0–6 % of circulating leukocytes. Their cytoplasm is packed with reddish‑orange granules that contain potent enzymes (e.g., major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein) and inflammatory mediators. When the immune system detects large, multicellular invaders—such as helminth (worm) parasites—eosinophils migrate out of the blood and surround the pathogen, releasing these granule contents to damage the parasite’s outer surface and aid its destruction. Beyond parasite defense, eosinophils act as key orchestras of the allergic response. They accumulate in tissues exposed to allergens (airways in asthma, skin in eczema, GI tract in eosinophilic esophagitis) and secrete cytokines and lipid mediators that amplify inflammation, recruit additional immune cells, and contribute to symptoms like swelling, mucus production, and itching. Because of this pro‑inflammatory role, persistently elevated eosinophil counts—termed eosinophilia—can signal allergic disorders, drug hypersensitivity, or certain autoimmune and malignant conditions. Conversely, counts drop toward zero after glucocorticoid therapy or in acute stress states, reflecting the cells’ sensitivity to hormonal and immune regulation.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

Also known as: Chem 12, Chemistry Panel, Chemistry Screen, CMP, Complete Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel CMP, SMA 12, SMA 20

Albumin

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood.

Albumin/Globulin Ratio

The ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio) is calculated from measured albumin and calculated globulin (total protein - albumin). Normally, there is a little more albumin than globulins, giving a normal A/G ratio of slightly over 1. Because disease states affect the relative amounts of albumin and globulin, the A/G ratio may provide a clue as to the cause of the change in protein levels. A low A/G ratio may reflect overproduction of globulins, such as seen in multiple myeloma or autoimmune diseases, or underproduction of albumin, such as may occur with cirrhosis, or selective loss of albumin from the circulation, as may occur with kidney disease (nephrotic syndrome). A high A/G ratio suggests underproduction of immunoglobulins as may be seen in some genetic deficiencies and in some leukemias. More specific tests, such as liver enzyme tests and serum protein electrophoresis, must be performed to make an accurate diagnosis. With a low total protein that is due to plasma expansion (dilution of the blood), the A/G ratio will typically be normal because both albumin and globulin will be diluted to the same extent.

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with higher amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.

Alt

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.

AST

AST (aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in liver, heart, and muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.

Bilirubin, Total

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Bun/Creatinine Ratio

A ratio between a person’s BUN and blood creatinine to help determine what is causing these concentrations to be higher than normal. The ratio of BUN to creatinine is usually between 10:1 and 20:1. An increased ratio may be due to a condition that causes a decrease in the flow of blood to the kidneys, such as congestive heart failure or dehydration. It may also be seen with increased protein, from gastrointestinal bleeding, or increased protein in the diet. The ratio may be decreased with liver disease (due to decrease in the formation of urea) and malnutrition.

Calcium

You have more calcium in your body than any other mineral. Calcium has many important jobs. The body stores more than 99 percent of its calcium in the bones and teeth to help make and keep them strong. The rest is throughout the body in blood, muscle and the fluid between cells. Your body needs calcium to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to secrete hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system.

Carbon Dioxide

CO2 is carbon dioxide. Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood, called the serum. In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate (HCO3-). Therefore, the CO2 blood test is really a measure of your blood bicarbonate level.

Chloride

Chloride is a type of electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and carbon dioxide (CO2). These substances help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance. This is a measure of the amount of chloride in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood.

Creatinine

The creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys work.

Egfr African American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

Egfr Non-Afr. American

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is a test used to check how well the kidneys are working. Specifically, it estimates how much blood passes through the glomeruli each minute. Glomeruli are the tiny filters in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood.

GFR-AFRICAN AMERICAN

GFR-NON AFRICAN AMERICAN

Globulin

Globulins is the collective term for most blood proteins other than albumin. Identifying the types of globulins can help diagnose certain disorders. Globulins are roughly divided into three groups: alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulines include various types of antibodies such as immunoglobulins (Ig) M, G, and A.

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Potassium

Potassium is a mineral that the body needs to work normally. It helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. A diet rich in potassium helps to offset some of sodium's harmful effects on blood pressure.

Protein, Total

The total protein is the total amount of two classes of proteins, albumin and globulin that are found in the fluid portion of your blood. Proteins are important parts of all cells and tissues. Your albumin helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and your globulins are an important part of your immune system.

Sodium

Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly it is vital to normal body processes, including nerve and muscle function

Urea Nitrogen (Bun)

BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.

CYSTATIN C

eGFR

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Also known as: Gamma Glutamyl Transferase GGT, Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase, Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase, Gamma-GT, GGTP, GTP

Ggt

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood.

Also known as: Heavy Metals Panel with Cadmium Random Urine

Arsenic, Random Urine

Cadmium, Random Urine

Creatinine, Random Urine

Lead, Random Urine

Mercury, Random Urine

Also known as: Heavy Metals Panel Blood

Arsenic, Blood

Lead, Blood

Mercury, Blood

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: Iron and TIBC, Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity TIBC, TIBC

% Saturation

Iron Binding Capacity

Total iron binding capacity (TIBC) is a blood test to see if you may have too much or too little iron in the blood. Iron moves through the blood attached to a protein called transferrin. This test helps your doctor know how well that protein can carry iron in the blood.

Iron, Total

Iron is a mineral that our bodies need for many functions. For example, iron is part of hemoglobin, a protein which carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. It helps our muscles store and use oxygen. Iron is also part of many other proteins and enzymes. Your body needs the right amount of iron. If you have too little iron, you may develop iron deficiency anemia. Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, poor diet, or an inability to absorb enough iron from foods. People at higher risk of having too little iron are young children and women who are pregnant or have periods.

Also known as: UA, Complete, Urinalysis UA Complete, Urine Analysis, Complete

Amorphous Sediment (Only Reported If Detected)

Appearance

Bacteria

Bacteria are living things that have only one cell. Most bacteria won't hurt you - less than 1 percent of the different types make people sick. Many are helpful. Some bacteria help to digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, and give the body needed vitamins. But infectious bacteria can make you ill. They reproduce quickly in your body. Many give off chemicals called toxins, which can damage tissue and make you sick. Examples of bacteria that cause infections include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment found in bile, a fluid made by the liver. A small amount of older red blood cells are replaced by new blood cells every day. Bilirubin is left after these older blood cells are removed. The liver helps break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body in the stool.

Calcium Oxalate Crystals (Only Reported If Detected)

Calcium oxalate is a chemical compound that forms envelope-shaped crystals. A major constituent of human kidney stones.

Casts (Only Reported If Detected)

Urinary casts are cylindrical structures produced by the kidney and present in the urine in certain disease states. They form in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting ducts of nephrons, then dislodge and pass into the urine, where they can be detected by microscopy.

Color

Crystals (Only Reported If Detected)

Abnormal crystals may appear in urine as a result of pathology or due to normal catabolism

Glucose

A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain. The hormones insulin and glucagon help control blood glucose levels.

Granular Cast (Only Reported If Detected)

The second-most common type of cast, granular casts can result either from the breakdown of cellular casts or the inclusion of aggregates of plasma proteins (e.g., albumin) or immunoglobulin light chains. Depending on the size of inclusions, they can be classified as fine or coarse, though the distinction has no diagnostic significance. Their appearance is generally more cigar-shaped and of a higher refractive index than hyaline casts. While most often indicative of chronic renal disease, these casts, as with hyaline casts, can also be seen for a short time following strenuous exercise

Hyaline Cast

Urinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles. Urinary casts may be made up of white blood cells, red blood cells, kidney cells, or substances such as protein or fat. The most common type of cast, hyaline casts are solidified Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein secreted from the tubular epithelial cells of individual nephrons. Low urine flow, concentrated urine, or an acidic environment can contribute to the formation of hyaline casts, and, as such, they may be seen in normal individuals in dehydration or vigorous exercise. Hyaline casts are cylindrical and clear, with a low refractive index,

Ketones

Ketones are substances produced in the liver when fat cells break down in the blood. A serum ketone test is a measurement of how many ketones are in the blood.

Leukocyte Esterase

Leukocyte esterase is a urine test to look for white blood cells and other signs associated with infection.

Nitrite

Occult Blood

The test looks for hidden (occult) blood in a specimen sample. It can find blood even if you cannot see it yourself.

Ph

Level of acid

Protein

Body fluids contain many different proteins that serve diverse functions such as transport of nutrients, removal of toxins, control of metabolic processes, and defense against invaders. Protein electrophoresis is a method for separating these proteins based on their size and electrical charge. When body fluids are separated by electrophoresis, they form a characteristic pattern of bands of different widths and intensities, reflecting the mixture of proteins present. This pattern is divided into five fractions, called albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma. In some cases, the beta fraction is further divided into beta 1 and beta 2. Albumin, which is produced in the liver, accounts for about 60% of the protein in the blood. "Globulins" is a collective term used to refer to proteins other than albumin. With the exception of the immunoglobulins and some complement proteins, most of the globulins are also produced in the liver. Immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) is a method used to identify abnormal bands seen on serum, urine, or CSF protein electrophoresis, as to which type of antibody (immunoglobulin) is present.

Rbc

RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

Reducing Substances (Only Reported If Detected)

Renal Epithelial Cells (Only Reported If Detected)

Specific Gravity

Squamous Epithelial Cells

Transitional Epithelial (Only Reported If Detected)

Triple Phosphate Crystals (Only Reported If Detected)

Struvite stones (triple phosphate/magnesium ammonium phosphate) - about 10–15% of urinary calculi are composed of struvite (ammonium magnesium phosphate, NH4MgPO4·6H2O).[44] Struvite stones (also known as "infection stones", urease or triple-phosphate stones), form most often in the presence of infection by urea-splitting bacteria

Uric Acid Crystals (Only Reported If Detected)

Abnormal crystals may appear in urine as a result of pathology or due to normal catabolism

WBC

WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

YEAST (Only Reported If Detected)

Candida is the scientific name for yeast. It is a fungus that lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins - Essential Lab Panel panel contains 10 tests with 97 biomarkers .

Overview

The Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Essential Lab Panel is designed for people who want a focused starting point to evaluate common heavy metal exposure markers along with key health-support biomarkers related to kidney function, liver processing, inflammation, blood health, and iron status.

Heavy metals and environmental toxins may come from food, water, older homes, renovation projects, workplace exposure, industrial materials, smoke, welding, metal work, batteries, pigments, ceramics, imported supplements, detox products, and environmental pollution.

This Essential panel combines blood and urine heavy metals testing with foundational safety markers that help evaluate how the body may be responding. It does not diagnose poisoning, toxicity, or environmental illness by itself. Results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider and interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, occupation, diet, supplement use, medication use, and timing of exposure.

Why Order This Panel?

The Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Essential Lab Panel may be useful for people who want a practical first-tier review of possible heavy metal exposure and the body systems most often reviewed when exposure concerns are present.

This panel may help provide insight into:

  • Blood-based heavy metal exposure markers
  • Urine-based heavy metal exposure markers
  • Kidney filtration and urine health
  • Liver processing and bile flow
  • Blood count and anemia-related patterns
  • Iron storage and iron availability
  • Low-grade inflammation
  • General environmental exposure and wellness support

This Panel May Be Helpful For People With

  • Concern about heavy metal exposure
  • Possible contaminated water or food exposure
  • High seafood intake or mercury/arsenic concerns
  • Older home renovation exposure
  • Occupational or industrial exposure
  • Welding, metal work, batteries, pigments, ceramics, or manufacturing exposure
  • Imported supplement or detox product use
  • Fatigue, brain fog, numbness, tingling, or unexplained symptoms requiring provider review
  • Kidney, liver, inflammation, or iron-status concerns
  • Interest in a focused environmental exposure baseline

What This Panel Helps Evaluate

This panel helps evaluate selected biomarkers related to:

  • Common heavy metal exposure patterns
  • Blood and urine heavy metals
  • Kidney filtration
  • Urine health patterns
  • Liver function and bile flow
  • Blood count patterns
  • Iron status
  • Low-grade inflammation
  • General environmental toxins and wellness support

Tests Included and Why They Matter

Heavy Metals & Environmental Exposure Markers

This group directly evaluates selected heavy metals using both blood and urine testing. Blood testing may provide context for recent or ongoing exposure, while urine testing may provide context for excretion patterns. Using both can provide a broader exposure picture than either specimen type alone.

Heavy Metals Panel with Cadmium, Random Urine

This urine panel is included because it provides a focused way to evaluate selected heavy metals through urine. Depending on the laboratory configuration, this panel may include metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and creatinine.

Urine testing can provide useful exposure and excretion context, especially when reviewed with symptoms, exposure history, kidney markers, and collection preparation. It is especially relevant for people concerned about environmental exposure, occupational exposure, contaminated water, seafood intake, imported supplements, or detox product use.

Heavy Metals Panel, Blood

This blood panel is included because blood testing may provide important context for certain heavy metals, especially recent or ongoing exposure. Blood-based testing is often useful when evaluating lead, mercury, arsenic, or other metals depending on the panel configuration.

Blood and urine testing together make this Essential panel more complete because some metals may be better understood through recent blood exposure patterns, while urine may help evaluate excretion-related patterns.

Kidney Filtration & Urine Health

The kidneys help filter blood and remove many substances from the body. Some heavy metals and environmental exposures may be relevant to kidney health, so this group helps evaluate kidney filtration and urine findings.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, CMP

The CMP evaluates kidney function, liver function, glucose, electrolytes, calcium, albumin, total protein, and general metabolic health markers.

This test is included because heavy metal and toxin concerns should be reviewed alongside core organ function. CMP kidney and liver markers help provide a safety baseline for interpreting exposure-related findings and deciding whether additional provider-guided follow-up may be appropriate.

Cystatin C with eGFR

Cystatin C with eGFR provides an additional estimate of kidney filtration. This test is included because cystatin C may provide useful kidney function context beyond creatinine alone.

This is valuable in an environmental toxins panel because kidney filtration is important for interpreting exposure, excretion, medication safety, supplement safety, and possible kidney stress patterns.

Urinalysis, UA, Complete

A complete urinalysis evaluates urine findings such as protein, blood, glucose, ketones, specific gravity, pH, and other markers.

This test is included because urinalysis may provide hydration, kidney, urinary, glucose-handling, protein, and blood-in-urine context. It helps make the panel more useful for evaluating possible exposure-related kidney or urinary patterns.

Liver Processing & Bile Flow

The liver helps process nutrients, alcohol, medications, supplements, and environmental exposures. This group provides liver enzyme and bile-flow context.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase, GGT

GGT is a liver and bile duct enzyme. It is included because GGT may provide useful context for liver stress, bile flow, alcohol exposure, fatty liver patterns, medication use, supplement use, and environmental toxin concerns.

GGT adds value because CMP liver markers alone may not fully reflect bile-flow or environmental wellness context.

Blood Health, Iron Status & Inflammation

Environmental exposure concerns may overlap with anemia patterns, inflammatory findings, immune changes, fatigue, and iron-related issues. This group helps evaluate blood count, iron storage, iron availability, and low-grade inflammation.

CBC, includes Differential and Platelets

The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, and white blood cell types.

This test is included because blood count patterns may provide context for anemia, immune activity, inflammation, infection clues, platelet changes, fatigue, and general wellness. It is a foundational marker when reviewing possible environmental exposure concerns.

Ferritin

Ferritin measures stored iron. It is included because ferritin may provide context for iron status, anemia-related patterns, inflammation, liver/metabolic patterns, and fatigue.

Ferritin can be low with iron deficiency or elevated with inflammation, liver stress, metabolic factors, or iron overload patterns. It should be reviewed with iron/TIBC and inflammation markers.

Iron and Total Iron Binding Capacity, TIBC

Iron and TIBC help evaluate circulating iron and iron transport capacity. This test is included because iron availability may provide context for anemia, fatigue, oxygen delivery, inflammation, and mineral balance.

Iron status is useful in environmental toxin panels because blood health and fatigue symptoms often overlap with exposure concerns.

hs-CRP

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein is a marker of low-grade inflammation. It is included because inflammation may provide useful context for environmental exposure concerns, cardiometabolic risk, liver/metabolic patterns, ferritin interpretation, and general wellness.

hs-CRP is nonspecific, so it should be interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, CBC, ferritin, and other findings.

Reflex / Follow-Up Recommendation

Arsenic Speciation if Urine Arsenic Is Elevated

If urine arsenic is elevated, arsenic speciation may be recommended as follow-up testing. This helps distinguish organic arsenic, often related to recent seafood intake, from more concerning inorganic arsenic exposure patterns.

Customers should follow collection instructions carefully and may be advised to avoid seafood before urine arsenic testing if directed by the laboratory or provider.

Additional Panels to Consider

Customers interested in the Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Essential Lab Panel may also consider:

  • Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Advanced Lab Panel
  • Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Comprehensive Lab Panel
  • Kidney, Liver & Detox Support Lab Panel
  • Vitamin, Mineral & Nutrient Deficiency Lab Panel
  • Inflammation, Autoimmune & Chronic Pain Lab Panel
  • Medication & Supplement Safety Lab Panel
  • Longevity & Healthy Aging Lab Panel
  • Heart Health & Cholesterol Lab Panel

Related Biomarker Patterns This Panel May Help Identify

This panel may help identify or rule out lab patterns related to:

  • Blood-based heavy metal exposure
  • Urine-based heavy metal exposure
  • Common environmental exposure patterns
  • Kidney filtration changes
  • Urinalysis abnormalities
  • Liver enzyme or bile-flow changes
  • Anemia or blood count abnormalities
  • Iron deficiency, iron overload, or ferritin changes
  • Low-grade inflammation
  • General environmental toxin support patterns

How to Prepare for This Panel

Preparation may vary depending on the specific tests and specimen types included. In general:

  • Follow all blood and urine collection instructions carefully.
  • Avoid seafood before arsenic-related urine testing if instructed, because seafood may affect arsenic interpretation.
  • Bring a list of possible exposures, including occupation, hobbies, home renovation, water source, supplements, imported products, smoking history, seafood intake, metal implants, and environmental concerns.
  • Bring a list of medications, supplements, detox products, vitamins, minerals, and doses.
  • Do not stop prescribed medications unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
  • Drink water normally before testing unless instructed otherwise.
  • Do not overhydrate before urine testing.
  • Follow all laboratory preparation instructions provided with your order.

What Happens After You Receive Your Results?

After your results are available, your biomarkers can help organize findings into areas such as blood heavy metals, urine heavy metals, kidney filtration, urinalysis findings, liver function, bile flow, inflammation, blood count, and iron status.

A licensed healthcare provider can help interpret your results in the context of exposure timing, symptoms, occupation, diet, supplement use, medical history, and whether follow-up testing such as arsenic speciation may be appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Essential Lab Panel?

The Heavy Metals & Environmental Toxins Essential Lab Panel is a focused blood and urine lab panel that evaluates selected heavy metal exposure markers along with kidney, liver, blood count, iron, and inflammation markers.

Does this panel diagnose heavy metal poisoning?

No. This panel does not diagnose heavy metal poisoning or environmental illness by itself. Results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider and interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, and medical context.

Why are both blood and urine heavy metals included?

Blood and urine can provide different exposure information. Blood testing may help evaluate recent or ongoing exposure, while urine testing may help evaluate excretion patterns.

Why is cystatin C included?

Cystatin C with eGFR provides additional kidney filtration context. This is useful because kidney function is important when reviewing heavy metal exposure and excretion patterns.

Why is GGT included?

GGT provides liver and bile-flow context. It can be useful when reviewing environmental exposure, alcohol use, supplement use, fatty liver patterns, or liver stress.

Why are ferritin and iron/TIBC included?

Ferritin measures stored iron, while iron/TIBC evaluates iron availability and transport. These markers may provide context for fatigue, anemia-related patterns, inflammation, and blood health.

What if arsenic is elevated?

If urine arsenic is elevated, arsenic speciation may be recommended to help distinguish organic arsenic, often related to seafood, from more concerning inorganic arsenic exposure patterns.

Important Note

This panel is designed to help evaluate selected biomarkers related to heavy metals, environmental toxin exposure, kidney function, liver function, inflammation, iron status, blood health, and general wellness. It is not intended to diagnose poisoning, toxicity, environmental illness, or any disease by itself. Results should be reviewed with a licensed healthcare provider.

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