Lead, lithium, copper, and other heavy metals. For detection of metal poisoning due to industrial exposure or polluted environments.
Blood collection at collection point
After your order you receive instructions by email
Make an appointment at a collection point near you
Blood collection at 1,000+ locations across the Netherlands
The Metal Intoxication Blood Test is a specialized test specifically developed to detect small quantities of heavy metals in your blood. This test quantitatively measures the amounts of various metals such as lead, lithium, and copper that can be toxic at elevated concentrations. It is an important diagnostic tool for individuals who may have been exposed to toxic environments, such as certain industries, polluted areas, or due to old piping in their homes.
This test is crucial for individuals exhibiting symptoms that may indicate metal poisoning, such as neurological problems, cognitive decline, fatigue, abdominal pain, neuropathy, or behavioral changes. It is particularly important for people working in certain industries such as metal processing, battery production, or artists working with pigments. Also for residents of old houses with lead pipes, people living near polluted industrial areas, or children who may have ingested old paint flakes. Lithium is also measured in patients using lithium medication for bipolar disorder.
The results provide insight into the exposure to and accumulation of potentially toxic metals. This test measures:
Early detection is essential for preventing permanent damage to the nervous system, kidneys, liver, and blood formation.
Elevated lead levels are very dangerous, especially for children, and can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, reduced IQ, anemia, and kidney issues. In adults, it causes hypertension, kidney damage, and cognitive problems. Elevated copper can indicate Wilson's disease (hereditary copper accumulation) or excessive exposure, leading to liver cirrhosis and neurological symptoms. Too much lithium during medication use can lead to tremors, confusion, kidney damage, and heart problems. All elevated metal levels require immediate medical attention and possibly chelation therapy to remove the metals from the body.
Very low or undetectable levels of toxic metals such as lead are ideal and indicate no significant exposure. For copper, very low levels may indicate a deficiency, which can lead to anemia, neutropenia, and bone problems, although copper deficiency is rare. In patients on lithium medication, too low levels may mean that the dosage is insufficient for a therapeutic effect. Normal to low levels of these metals are the goal, except for essential trace elements like copper where a balance is needed. This test helps to detect toxic exposure as well as monitor therapeutic medication levels.
This test has clinical value for specific complaints or indications, but is not intended as screening without symptoms.
Rationale for this test
Deze test meet zware metalen (lood, lithium, koper) en nierfunctie (kreatinine, eGFR) die klinisch relevant zijn bij vermoeden van metaalvergiftiging. De bepalingen zijn opgenomen in Nederlandse toxicologie-richtlijnen voor diagnostiek bij acute intoxicaties en therapeutische monitoring (lithium bij bipolaire stoornis). De test is echter niet bedoeld als screening zonder concrete aanleiding, maar voor gerichte diagnostiek bij specifieke blootstelling of symptomen die wijzen op metaalvergiftiging.
Dutch clinical guidelines and healthcare organisations
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
Brochure on preventive health checks: careful choice, reliability, pros and cons, checklist.
Independent information about preventive health checks from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
Reliable patient information about illnesses and complaints from Dutch GPs (NHG).
Public-facing website of the Dutch Society for Clinical Chemistry with explanations of blood tests and laboratory values.
Practical information
After ordering we generate a referral letter and email you the instructions. You pick a collection point yourself and book an appointment there. Blood is drawn at the location, processed at the lab, and your result arrives digitally.
Often within a few working days. How soon you can be seen depends on how busy the location is and the type of analysis. For specialist analyses we first ship collection materials, which takes a bit longer.
At most collection points yes. Some accept walk-ins. This is clearly indicated per location. You choose the location that works best for you.
That depends on the test. Whether fasting is required, and from what time, is clearly stated in the instructions you receive after ordering. No surprises at the counter.
It varies per analysis: from same-day to a few working days. Standard values often come back quickly; analyses that go to an external lab can take a bit longer. You receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
We work with 1,000+ collection points across the Netherlands. After ordering you'll see which locations near you are available and you pick where you'd like to go.
This is why clients choose us
“Very positive experience”
From ordering to having my blood drawn, everything went smoothly and was well organised. I really appreciated being able to visit a blood collection location in my own town so quickly. I received clear instructions beforehand, and the results arrived promptly by email too. Very satisfied!
“Good communication”
This company responds to questions thoroughly and promptly. The entire process, from requesting the test to having blood drawn and receiving the results, runs very smoothly. Overall, I am very satisfied!
“Wide choice of tests, fast and affordable”
You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
“I am satisfied with the service”
I received a referral by email, just like from a GP. I did not have to send anything by post and could quickly visit a local blood collection centre. The results were fast and clear. The price was good, not too expensive, and all messages were secure.
“A very good experience”
A very good experience! I received quick answers to my questions, a custom blood test was put together, everything was arranged smoothly, and I could have my blood drawn by a healthcare professional nearby. The results were available within a few days. In short, very satisfied!
“Very good customer service”
The customer service is very good. I had a complex request, which caused an issue at the blood collection centre. Customer service resolved it very well. They also offer a wide range of tests at a reasonable price.
“Everything was well organised”
Everything was well organised. The products were delivered within a few days and, after sending in the samples, the results arrived within a few days too. Communication and information throughout the process were clear and friendly.
“Fantastic service”
Fantastic service! Very good customer service that responds quickly and thinks along with you. Good prices. I will definitely use BloedCheckup's services again.
“Very happy to have found this business”
Very happy to have found this business. We need to check our blood more often :) The process was easy. They sent me the kit at home, then I had to go to a clinic with the papers and they knew what they had to do. I got the results in less than a week.
“Smooth process and good support”
Amazing website experience. I ordered various tests for 2 people. We went to one of the supported centers and took samples. Also after the results were ready, I needed a letter from the laboratory and they prepared the letter for me in no time. Definitely recommended.
“Amazing service!”
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!
“Great customer service”
I ordered a test through bloedcheckup.nl but later realized I no longer needed it. I contacted their support team, and they were very quick, responsive, and helpful in handling my cancellation. The whole process was smooth and efficient. Great customer service!