A heavy metal blood test is a group of tests that measures the levels of possibly harmful metals in your blood.
Heavy metals are found naturally in the environment. They're also found in certain medicines, supplements, and foods. And chemicals used in industry and farming may contain heavy metals, which can end up in the air, soil, and water.
Heavy metals get into your body in different ways. You might breathe them in, eat them, or absorb them through your skin. Because heavy metals are just about everywhere, it's normal to have some in your body. But if too much heavy metal gets into your body, it can cause heavy metal poisoning .
Heavy metal poisoning can lead to organ damage, behavioral changes, or difficulties with thinking and memory. The symptoms of heavy metal poisoning depend on the type of metal, how much is in your body, and your age. Children and unborn babies have the highest risk for serious, long-term health problems from heavy metals.
Poisoning from heavy metals can happen slowly over time or suddenly if you are exposed to a large amount of heavy metal all at once.
The most commonly tested heavy metals are:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Chromium
Other metals that may be tested include aluminum, beryllium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, platinum, selenium, silicon, silver, and thallium. You may have a heavy metal blood test for one type of metal, or you may have a test for a group of metals, called a "heavy metal panel."
Other names: heavy metals panel, toxic metals, heavy metal toxicity test