Southwest · Nickel, Urine test
Nickel, Urine test in New Mexico
Nickel, Urine test can be ordered without a referral from your own doctor, and this guide covers what to expect. A nickel, urine test measures the amount of nickel excreted in your urine. It can help evaluate recent or ongoing exposure to this common metal.
Lab requirements in New Mexico
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Nickel, Urine test 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
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- Follow the collection lab's instructions, which may include avoiding certain foods or supplements beforehand. Because preparation can vary, always defer to the specific lab's guidance.
- 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 test detects and measures nickel, a metal found in many everyday items and some workplaces. Urine testing reflects how much nickel your body has recently absorbed and is clearing through the kidneys.
What it measures
- Nickel — reflects recent or ongoing exposure to nickel
- Urine creatinine — sometimes measured to adjust for urine concentration
- Collection volume — used to calculate total nickel excreted over the collection period
What the test involves
You provide a urine sample, usually by collecting all urine over a set period or by giving a single sample at the lab. The collection method is chosen by your clinician and the lab.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test if you have symptoms that could be related to nickel exposure or if you work in an industry where nickel is used. It is also sometimes used to monitor known exposure over time.
Preparation
Follow the collection lab's instructions, which may include avoiding certain foods or supplements beforehand. Because preparation can vary, always defer to the specific lab's guidance.
How results are reported
Results are reported as a concentration or total amount of nickel in the urine, along with a reference range. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, so your result should be interpreted using the range provided by the testing lab.
Before you go
- Whether a random or timed urine collection is needed
- Any foods, supplements, or medications to avoid before collection
- How and when results will be shared with you
Cities
Nickel, Urine test in New Mexico communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.