Our body requires certain metals to function. However, too much of these elements can cause various health problems. A blood toxic element tests or heavy metal tests that examine the levels of heavy metal in our body.
So when do you need this test? What preparations you need to take, there are a lot of questions you might have. This is why, in this article, we talk about the details of the Blood Toxic Element Profile test.
What is heavy metal poisoning?
Toxic heavy metals can be found in water we drink, food we eat, medicines we consume and even in the air we breathe.
Small amounts of these elements may not cause any harm to the body. However, if the body absorbs excessive amounts of a metal, then it may build up in the body and contribute to various health conditions. Without treatment some type of heavy metal poisoning can be lethal.
What is a blood toxic element test?
A blood toxic element test looks for high levels of certain harmful toxic elements in your blood sample.
What levels does this test measure?
This particular test measures the levels of certain potential harmful toxic elements, such as:
Arsenic
Lead
Mercury
Chromium
Cadmium
Some of the less harmful heavy metals are:
Zinc
Iron
Aluminum
Copper
Manganese
Selenium
Nickel
Silicon
Thallium
What are the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning?
The symptoms generally depend on the particular heavy metal poisoning you have. Here are the common metal specific symptoms.
Arsenic poisoning:
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle cramps
Swollen or red skin
Skin lesions
Diarrhea
Unusual heart rhythm
Lead poisoning:
Fatigue
Constipation
Headache
Memory loss
Difficulty in sleeping
Loss of appetite
High blood pressure
Aggressive behavior
Slow development in children
Mercury poisoning:
Muscle weakness
Vision problems
Trouble in walking
Nerve damage in hands and feet
Hearing and speech issues
Trouble in concentrating
Cadmium poisoning:
Fever
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Headache
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Muscle pain
Shortness of breath
When should I go for the test?
Your doctor might recommend you take this test, if your symptoms suggest heavy metal poisoning. The general symptoms of heavy metal poisoning are:
Chills
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle weakness
Shortness of breath
Tingling sensation in the hands or feet
What can I expect in this test?
The blood toxic element test is a simple blood test, and it requires a sample of your blood. A medical professional will insert a needle in a vein in your arm and will collect the blood sample. They may also use fingerstick to collect blood from the capillaries. This blood collection process may take only a few minutes.
How do I prepare myself for the test?
You cannot eat or drink anything except water for 10 to 12 hours before the test. As certain foods, especially sea foods contain certain heavy metals, which may temporarily increase the heavy metal levels in your body. This is why you should avoid eating seafood before the test.
What does the test results mean?
The general interpretation of the heavy metal test result is as follows.
Low levels: If your test results show low levels, then indicates that you do not have any metal poisoning. However, your doctor may order more tests in order to rule out the cause behind your symptoms.
High levels: If your test results show high levels, then it indicates that you have a heavy metal poisoning. Your doctor will suggest you take precautions to avoid the exposure of that element. If your levels still do not reduce, then they will do chelation therapy, in which medications will be given by injection into your mouth to remove the excess metals from your body.
However, make sure to ask your doctor for the specific result interpretation.
