Urine
Heavy Metals in Urine
Eight metals and creatinine in a single urine sample. For anyone with a specific exposure question through work, a hobby or an implant; not a detox test.
€ 249,00
Urine test at home – no collection point needed
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
What is the Heavy Metals in Urine test?
This test measures seven heavy metals and aluminum in a single urine sample, together with creatinine. It is intended for someone with a specific question about exposure, for example through work, a hobby or a metal-on-metal hip replacement. The result shows for each metal how much your body has excreted over the recent past. It is not a detox test: the result says something about exposure, not about a build-up that you can remove with a course of treatment.
What is tested?
- Arsenic: exposure over the past few days, for example through work or water from a private well
- Cadmium: the amount that has built up over the years, mainly from smoking or work
- Lead: an addition to lead in blood, which is the usual measure of lead
- Mercury: exposure to mercury vapor or inorganic mercury; mercury from fish barely ends up in the urine
- Nickel: recent exposure, for example with electroplating or welding
- Cobalt: exposure at work, such as in the hard metal industry
- Chromium: recent exposure, for example with chrome plating or work with chromium-containing paint
- Aluminum: exposure at work or through antacids containing aluminum
- Creatinine: not a metal, but a measure of how concentrated the urine is, so the metals can be assessed per gram of creatinine
Why should you get heavy metals in urine measured?
The test is useful if you have a specific reason to think you have been exposed to one of these metals, for example through work in the metal, glass, ceramics or battery industry, a hobby such as stained glass or shooting, water from a private well or an accident with mercury. Without symptoms and without known exposure, the measurement adds nothing. If too much lead is suspected, lead in blood is the better test; with a metal-on-metal hip replacement, cobalt and chromium in blood are the better test.
Do not eat fish, shellfish or seaweed in the 3 days before collecting the urine; these contain a harmless form of arsenic that strongly raises the result. Do you work with one of these metals? Then collect the urine at the end of a working day, after several working days in a row.
What does it indicate?
The result shows for each metal how much your body excretes:
- Arsenic, nickel, cobalt, chromium and aluminum: mainly exposure over the past days to weeks
- Cadmium: mainly what has built up over the years
- Lead: an addition with known exposure; lead in blood is not measured
- Mercury: mainly exposure to mercury vapor or inorganic mercury; mercury from fish is largely missed
- Creatinine: how diluted or concentrated the urine is
For most metals there are no agreed cutoff values; the reference values on your result come from the laboratory. This is not a test for a disease.
What does a high level mean?
- Arsenic: is usually caused by fish, shellfish or seaweed in the days before; if the value stays high without these foods, further tests may be needed
- Cadmium: fits a larger accumulated load, often from smoking; the value also rises with age
- Lead: is a reason to have lead measured in blood
- Mercury: fits exposure to mercury vapor or inorganic mercury
- Nickel, cobalt, chromium and aluminum: fit recent exposure, for example at work; chromium supplements and food rich in nickel also raise the value
A raised value on its own does not predict symptoms. The next step is usually looking for the source, together with the occupational physician if needed.
What does a low level mean?
A low or unmeasurable value is normal for all these metals. The body does not need them, or only in trace amounts, so a low result is not a deficiency. A low value does not rule out exposure long ago, and says nothing about an allergy to nickel, cobalt or chromium; that requires a patch test.
Preparation and sampling
- Do not eat fish, shellfish or seaweed for 3 days before collecting the sample. These contain a harmless form of arsenic that raises the result.Applies to: Arseen
- Do you work with lead? Then collect the urine at the end of a working day or right after the exposure.Applies to: Lood
- Do you work with nickel? Then collect the urine at the end of a working day, after a few working days in a row.Applies to: Nikkel
- Do you work with cobalt? Then collect the urine at the end of a working day, after a few working days in a row.Applies to: Kobalt
- Do you work with chromium? Then collect the urine at the end of a working day or right after the exposure.Applies to: Chroom
Risks and downsides of this test
- Collecting urine. The quality of the sample depends on when and how it is collected. A wrongly collected sample can distort the result.
- No test is one hundred percent reliable. A result can point to something that is not there, or miss something that is. A result is a snapshot and does not make a diagnosis.
- An abnormal result has consequences. It can lead to follow-up tests with your GP, and to worry that turns out to be unnecessary. Follow-up tests or treatment can have downsides of their own.
- Incidental findings are not expected with this test. An incidental finding is something other than what you were looking for. During checkout you choose whether you want to be informed about one.
Kidneys and electrolytes1
Metals, toxins and medication8
Always discuss an abnormal result with your GP. If a result is strongly abnormal, we try to reach you as soon as possible. Read your result yourself as well and contact your GP if in doubt. A test does not make a diagnosis. Read more about risks and results
Independent information sources
We recommend consulting these independent sources before ordering a preventive health check.
Practical information
Frequently asked questions
How 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 receive your laboratory report securely by email. It lists the measured values, units, reference ranges and any flags added by the laboratory.
How do I return the collection materials to the lab?
Use the supplied return envelope and place it in the letter-mail bag inside a PostNL service point yourself as soon as possible. Do not hand it to counter staff or request track & trace. The instructions supplied with your test state when it must be sent.
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.
Not sure which test is right for you? We’re happy to help.
WhatsApp+31 (0)412 23 69 61E-mailinfo@bloedcheckup.nlShippingDiscreet mailbox delivery
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“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!
ElineVerified
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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!
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You can choose the tests yourself. Fast delivery and processing, clear instructions and affordable.
SMVerified
“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.
kraljicaVerified
“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!
PhilVerified
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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.
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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.
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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.
DenisaVerified
“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.
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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!
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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!
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