- EverlyWell Heavy Metals Test-—Best Overall
- Health Labs Heavy Metal Toxicity Lab Tests—Most Comprehensive
- 5Strands Metals & Minerals Test—Most Affordable
- True Health Labs Heavy Metal Test—Most Responsive in Customer Service
- myLAB Heavy Metals Screening Test—Most Discreet
- ZRT Laboratory Heavy Metals & Essential Elements Test—Best Kit for Children
- Health Testing Centers Heavy Metal and Toxin Testing—Most Experience
Are you experiencing symptoms of heavy metal poisoning, or feeling concerned about environmental toxicity and exposure to heavy metals?
Food, drinking water, and even the natural environment can lead to toxic illnesses. Detecting and diagnosing high levels of metals in the body is difficult to do on your own, but these reviewed heavy metal test kits make the process quick and easy.
What Are Heavy Metal Test Kits?
A heavy metals test can be used as a medical procedure to measure the level of toxic metals that damage the body and nervous system. It uses organic samples—urine, blood, and hair—to determine dangerous amounts of exposure. Common metals like lead, copper, and cadmium are dangerous in large amounts [1].
High levels of heavy metals, or toxicity, found in the body may cause physical problems and weaken the immune system. Immediate exposure can cause symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.
Long-term exposure to toxic elements may cause internal organ damage leading to muscular, physical, and neurological deterioration [2].
The following information will help decide what heavy metal testing product is right for you.
Best Heavy Metals Testing Kits
Let’s review our top picks and who they’re right for, as well as how you use each one.
1. EverlyWell Heavy Metals Test—Most Comprehensive Heavy Metal Test Kit
Get the testSince their 2017 television appearance, EverlyWell is on its way to becoming one of Shark Tank’s most successful businesses and the largest at-home testing company. By offering over 35 various heavy metal tests and related products, they have the most comprehensive testing system.
What Does It Test For?
You can anticipate getting tested for these heavy metals:
- Iodine
- Bromine
- Cadmium
- Selenium
- Mercury
- Arsenic
How Do You Take It?
After registering for these kits online, Everlywell provides the materials and instructions for a urine sample. Each kit includes pre-paid shipping labels. Physician-reviewed results are available within a week.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, but you can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase this test kit.
2. Health Labs Heavy Metal Toxicity Lab Tests—Best Heavy Metal Test Kit Overall
Get the testSince 2015, HealthLab.com has offered fast, private, and affordable laboratory tests. They’re affiliated with over 4500 CLIA facilities across the US, providing the most local access than any other company on this list.
What Does It Test For?
HealthLab tests for the following:
- Cobalt
- Chromium
- Mercury
- Arsenic
- Selenium
- Lead
- Lithium
- Magnesium
- Cadmium
- Iron
- Thallium
- Zinc
How Do You Take It?
This company gives the option of ordering either a single lab test for a specific metal or a comprehensive panel that tests for the six most common toxic metals. You can purchase their product online or by phone, but you must visit a certified laboratory to have your sample taken. Results are available in 1-3 days.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, insurance does not cover this product.
3. 5 Strands Metals & Minerals Test—Most Affordable Heavy Metal Testing Kit
Get the testThis is a holistic company that offers tests for humans and their pets. 5Strands uses bio-resonance to assess imbalances of cellular energy within the human body, which is the cause of disease and general health problems [3]. 5Strands offers the cheapest option on this list by only using hair strands.
What Does It Test For?
5 Strands test for 60 metals including:
- Copper
- Cadmium
- Mercury
- Iron
- Lead
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Arsenic Lead
How Do You Take It?
After ordering your test kit, you’ll find easy directions on how to collect your sample. Expect results in 7-10 business days. Information from these tests is not used to show physical measurements of high toxic levels, which can damage the body and nervous system. They only show if your body is reacting to environmental toxicity and exposure.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, insurance does not cover this product.
4. True Health Labs Heavy Metal Test—Most Responsive Customer Service
Get the testThis company focuses on providing affordable and confidential laboratory tests. They work with over 2000 CLIA certified facilities across the US, as well as servicing customers in Canada and Europe. This is the only reviewed company offering patient-to-doctor medical consultations for as long as needed.
What Does It Test For?
This facility uses all three specimens to test for common heavy metals and exposure to high levels in 35 other metals and minerals, including:
- Potassium
- Iodine
- Zinc
- Mercury
- Selenium
- Copper
- Arsenic
- Cadmium
- Lead
How Do You Take It?
A local draw location will take your blood sample using standard laboratory practices. You can find the nearest location on their website before purchasing any product. There’s also the option of visiting a local hospital, clinic, or phlebotomist for a simple blood draw. Each sample can be conveniently taken at home and shipped free to their facilities. Their toll-free information line is available for patients and doctors 24/7. Results are available within 3-7 business days.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, but you can submit your heavy metals test fees for reimbursement. The company will provide CPT codes for medical billing through your insurance.
5. myLAB Heavy Metals Screening Test—Most Discreet Heavy Metal Kit
Get the testThis FDA registered company was the first to launch an at-home testing service. Each heavy metals test kit includes information to collect your blood sample and ensures safe shipment to their facilities. Each box is carefully designed in myLabs signature style for discreet shipping.
What Does It Test For? It tests for some of the most toxic culprits, which include:
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
- Lead
- Mercury
How Do You Take It?
This heavy metals test takes less than five minutes to complete. All kits include a small lancet, instructions on how to prepare your sample, and pre-paid labels used for shipping. Results are available within a week.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, but you can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for this test.
6. ZRT Laboratory Heavy Metals & Essential Elements Test—Best Heavy Metal Kit for Children
Get the testFounded in 1998, ZRT Laboratory has grown into a commercial and research laboratory developing new test methods for hormones, heavy metal environmental exposure, and more. They focus on solutions to problems and accurate results for patients and doctors.
What Does It Test For?
ZRT offers individual blood and urine samples or a comprehensive panel for:
- Mercury
- Copper
- Selenium
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
How Do You Take It?
Apply the sample using the filter paper that’s provided. The blood spots will need 30 minutes to dry, while the urine requires up to 6 hours. The easy use of the filter paper makes this the perfect kit for testing children. ZRT provides instructional videos on their website as well as inside their kits. Results are available in 3-7 business days.
Is It Covered By Insurance?
ZRT will send a courtesy bill to the following insurance companies as an out of network provider. However, you will be responsible for charges not covered by your insurance.
- Original Medicare Part B
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- TRICARE
- Cigna Healthcare
- Humana
7. Health Testing Centers Heavy Metal and Toxin Testing—Most Experience in Heavy Metal Tests
Get the testThis Florida-based company was the first to introduce Direct Access Testing, making laboratory test kits available to their customers. After 30 years in the business, they now work with over 3000 LabCorp and Quest Diagnostic facilities around the US.
What Does It Test For?
The blood sample tests for lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic toxicity and exposure. The other samples tests for several more metals including:
- Aluminum
- Cesium
- Nickel
- Tin
- Uranium
- Copper
How Do You Take It?
The Heavy Metal Basic kit requires you to collect urine using a jug that’s provided for 24 hours. Your sample is then collected at one of the designated facilities found on their website. Expect test results in 2-3 weeks.
Is It Covered by Insurance?
No, but you can use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for each kit.
How Do Heavy Metal Test Kits Work?
All the above products require blood, urine, and hair specimens. At-home tests will have information on how to collect your sample and safely prepare it for shipping. Testing begins as soon as the laboratory receives your specimen.
Blood and urine samples measure high levels of toxic metals and minerals, the cause of toxicity in your system. This is the better method if you’re concerned about recent environmental exposure to toxins from drinking water or industrial chemicals. Hair samples show the body’s reaction to high amounts of toxins and may help determine long-term toxicity and exposure to heavy metals.
What Are the Signs of Heavy Metal Poisoning?
Symptoms related to toxic metal poisoning exposure start mild and progress over time. Signs to look for are:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea)
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Weakness or fatigue
Mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic, sometimes found in water, are the most common toxic elements tested for poisoning and can cause very metal-specific symptoms.
For example, mercury poisoning may lead to neurological problems like hearing and speech difficulties. Lead poisoning may cause loss of appetite, aggression, and memory damage [4].
What Are The Benefits of Heavy Metal Testing Kits?
Each of the above products has specific handling procedures and typically looks for different metals, but they all have the following benefits.
Confirmation of Heavy Metals Exposure
Results from these test kits will show high-level toxins by including detailed, informational graphs. You’ll see the name of the metal, how much of that metal is found in your body, and if it falls in the healthy or toxic ranges. Some of the above facilities offer consultations for more in-depth explanations.
Address Potential Health Concerns
The type of environmental exposure experienced, from drinking water to prescription drugs, determines the poisoning levels and damage to the body. Test results from these kits allow you to address those concerns with a medical professional.
Keep in mind, even toxicity from water, if left untreated will cause damage to the immune and nervous system. A chronic diagnosis—slow poisoning for a long period of time—can affect the functions of the brain, kidney, lungs, liver, and blood [5].
FAQs
Below are more common questions about heavy metal testing kits.
What Is the Best Test for Heavy Metals?
Of all the related products we’ve come across for heavy metals, Health Lab stands out as the overall winner.
They have panels to test for multiple metals and single metal test kits. With a network of over 4,500 labs, it’s easy to find a location near you. This company has, by far, the fastest turnaround for test data, and they understand the need for medical care on a budget, making them the most affordable for blood and urine tests.
How Can I Test Myself for Heavy Metals?
Testing is simple using one of these products.
- First thing first, choose the test kit that works for you. You will receive your product information in the mail, either to your home or private location.
- Find a lab near you. Health Labs and True Health give you the option of finding the nearest facility before you purchase any product.
- Mail-in your sample. For an at-home heavy metal test, you’ll find detailed instructions for the sample collection and shipping process.
- Receive your results. View your results through a secure account or by email. A detailed report will be available for you and your medical doctor.
Is Heavy Metal Tests Covered by Insurance?
No, insurance does not cover heavy metal kits, however, ZRT will send a courtesy bill to some insurance companies, and True Health allows you to submit for reimbursement.
Is Hair Testing Accurate for Heavy Metals?
Hair tests are accurate for detecting imbalances found in the body which could be a cause of long-term toxic exposure. If you believe you were more recently exposed to contaminated water or other substances, using another sample would be better [6].
Conclusion
We recommend the above companies because of their excellence in the field of heavy metal tests, but Health Lab Heavy Metal Toxicity Test is our top pick for convenience, affordability, and rapidly delivered test results.
If you believe that you or a family member have been recently exposed to toxic metals from food, water, or chemicals, or if you have unexplained symptoms and health problems, these heavy metals test kits will be the fastest way to get the answers you need.
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