Iodine (urine)
Urine test for iodine status, relevant for metabolic function and thyroid hormone production.
Urine Home Test
How it works
- 01
Receive your collection kit
You receive a urine collection kit with clear instructions
- 02
Collect your sample
Easily collect a urine sample yourself
- 03
Mail back
Return via medical mail to the lab
Iodine is a trace element present in small quantities in nature. The human body also needs very little of this mineral. The iodine content in drinking water is negligible, so most of this trace element enters the body with food. However, in the Netherlands, the soil is poor in iodine, so it does not occur naturally in much food.
It is important for the formation of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These thyroid hormones are responsible for maintaining metabolism and thus body temperature, the growth process of tissues (especially the brain), and the nervous system. In addition, iodine is important for the health and function of, among others, mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach, skin, breast tissue, salivary glands, and thymus. Iodine has a strong antimicrobial effect and is used for wound and water disinfection.
Sources
Table salt, sea fish, crustaceans and shellfish, meat, bread products, and a little in dairy products.
Many medicines and cleaning agents for skin wounds contain iodine. It is also a component of water purification tablets used in drinking water preparation.
Until 2009, it was mandatory to use iodized salt when baking bread. Nowadays, many people bake their own bread or opt for organic bread, often without added iodized salt, or they do not eat bread at all, which increases the risk of an iodine deficiency. However, it can take years for adults to develop an iodine deficiency, as the body will first use up the thyroid's iodine stores. This will cause the thyroid to work more slowly. This is also often diagnosed late due to the non-specific, vague complaints.
The required daily intake of iodine depends on the person's age, namely 40 mcg per day for infants and 150 mcg per day for adults. During pregnancy, the need for iodine increases to about 200 mcg per day.
Iodine in urine
Because with sufficient intake 70-90% of iodine is excreted in the urine, its concentration in urine is considered a good measure of the body's iodine status.
Strong scientific evidence
This test is included in Dutch healthcare guidelines and is regularly used for its respective indications.
Rationale for this test
Jodium in urine is een gevestigde maat voor de jodiumstatus van het lichaam. Deze test wordt gebruikt om jodiumtekort of -overmaat op te sporen, wat belangrijk is voor de schildklierfunctie. De meting is wetenschappelijk onderbouwd en wordt in de reguliere geneeskunde toegepast bij verdenking op jodiumgerelateerde schildklieraandoeningen.
Sources consulted
Dutch clinical guidelines and healthcare organisations
Independent information sources
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
- Client brochure PGO (NVvPG, September 2023)
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
- RIVM — Health tests
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
- Thuisarts.nl
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
- Allesovertesten.nl (NVKC)
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to what people usually want to know.
See urine instructionsFull instructions with visual guidanceHow does the urine test work from A to Z?
After ordering we ship the collection kit to your home. You collect urine following the instructions, return it in the envelope, and receive your result digitally by email.
How do I collect my urine sample correctly?
Follow the included instructions, usually the midstream method in a sterile container. Pay attention to the right timing (first morning urine or random, depending on the test).
Do I need to avoid anything before collection?
For some tests yes (e.g. certain foods or supplements). Whether this applies is stated in the instructions. Read them before you start.
When and how do I receive my result?
Usually 2 to 5 working days after the lab receives your sample. You get an email with a link to your digital result, including explanation per value.
How do I return my sample to the lab?
In the included return envelope with free medical shipping. Drop it in the mailbox; the lab processes your sample as soon as it arrives. For some tests it's important to send it the same day — the instructions make this clear.
What if I have questions or something doesn't work?
Feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, email or phone. We're happy to help you before, during or after your test. If the collection doesn't work, we'll arrange a solution or send new materials — no hassle.
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Received a packet with everything needed, went to a walk in clinic (Amsterdam DC Clinic) where my blood was drawn and I was out the door within 5 minutes, and then after posting the samples, received results 2 days later. Results were easy to understand as well. Amazing service, would highly recommend!