Southwest · Heavy Metals & Toxins
Heavy Metals & Toxins in New Mexico
Below is a plain-language overview of the heavy metals & toxins. Heavy metals and toxins testing checks for exposure to substances like lead, mercury, and arsenic. It is used to screen for or monitor potential exposure, not to diagnose a specific condition.
Lab requirements in New Mexico
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Heavy Metals & Toxins in NM. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Fasting is required for this test — follow the collection lab's instructions.
- Preparation
- Preparation instructions vary depending on the specific test and lab. Always follow the collection lab's instructions carefully, as some tests may require fasting or avoiding certain foods…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This panel measures levels of various heavy metals and potentially harmful toxins in the body. It can include blood, urine, or hair samples to assess recent or past exposure. The specific substances tested depend on the panel ordered.
What it measures
- Lead — reflects recent or ongoing exposure to lead
- Mercury — indicates exposure to mercury from sources like fish or industrial settings
- Arsenic — shows exposure to arsenic, which can come from water or certain foods
- Cadmium — reflects exposure to cadmium, often from smoking or industrial sources
- Thallium — indicates exposure to thallium, a rare but toxic metal
- Creatinine — used to adjust urine metal levels for kidney function
What the test involves
Sample collection typically involves a standard blood draw from a vein in your arm or a urine sample provided at the lab. In some cases, a hair or fingernail sample may be collected.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test if there is concern about exposure to heavy metals through work, environment, or diet. It can also be used to monitor levels in people with known exposure or symptoms that might be related to toxicity.
Preparation
Preparation instructions vary depending on the specific test and lab. Always follow the collection lab's instructions carefully, as some tests may require fasting or avoiding certain foods or supplements beforehand.
How results are reported
Results are reported as levels of each metal or toxin, often with a reference range for comparison. Reference ranges can differ between laboratories, so results should be interpreted in the context of the lab that performed the test.
Before you go
- Whether fasting or other preparation is required
- What sample types are accepted for the specific panel
- How and when results will be delivered
Cities
Heavy Metals & Toxins in New Mexico communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.