Fact checkedExpert's opinion

The article is a subjective view on this topic written by writers specializing in medical writing.
It may reflect on a personal journey surrounding struggles with an illness or medical condition, involve product comparisons, diet considerations, or other health-related opinions.

Although the view is entirely that of the writer, it is based on academic experiences and scientific research they have conducted; it is fact-checked by a team of degreed medical experts, and validated by sources attached to the article.

The numbers in parenthesis (1,2,3) will take you to clickable links to related scientific papers.

Best Heavy Metal Testing Kits 2024: 3 At-home Toxicity Test

Katie Swanson

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Kimberly Langdon, MD

All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer.

heavy metal testing kits

MyLab Box

  • Urine sample collected at home
  • Tests for 10 heavy metals 
  • Lowest cost of the three options

15% Off: HEALTHCANAL

heavy metal testing kits

Health Labs

  • Blood or urine samples collected at the lab
  • Can test for individual or multiple heavy metals
  • 110% guarantee: competitive price matching plus a 10% discount

10% Off First Purchase

heavy metal testing kits

EverlyWell

  • Urine sample collected at home
  • Easy to understand, actionable results
  • Tests for 6 heavy metals and essential elements

Too many heavy metals in the body can cause severe health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Toxic metal exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Long-term toxicity can result in organ damage, decreased nerve function, thyroid-related health issues, nervous system issues, and miscarriage or premature labor in women. 

Fortunately, there are heavy metal testing kits that allow you to test your toxic metal levels, often from the privacy of your own home. You don’t have to wait for a referral from your doctor and while it is typically not covered by health insurance, there are many affordable options and most testing companies will accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds. 

Best Heavy Metal Testing Kits (March. 2024)

Can I Do My Heavy Metal Test At Home?

Yes! There are many at-home testing options available now. A lot of tests allow you to test for heavy metals in the privacy and security of your home. Once you collect a test sample according to the manufacturer’s directions, you seal it up in the biohazard packaging and mail it back to the company for testing. 

Whether you opt for a blood, urine, or hair/nail test, you can choose which test method and which heavy metals you test for. Here are three of the best at-home heavy metal testing kits to consider.

Is Heavy Metal Test Accurate?

Heavy metal tests can accurately show levels of toxic elements using blood, urine, hair, or fingernail samples. Of these, blood and urine are considered the most accurate but it also depends on the type of heavy metal you are testing for and the duration of exposure.  

Diagnosing heavy metal poisoning requires many positive lab tests, a medical evaluation by a healthcare professional to confirm signs and symptoms of heavy metals, and confirmed exposure to toxic metals. At-home heavy metal tests can check for elevated heavy metal levels and alert you to any warning signs of exposure. 

If you know you have been exposed to toxic metals or find that your at-home heavy metals test indicates your levels are beyond a healthy range, contact a medical professional immediately.

3 Best At-Home Heavy Metal Tests Review

myLAB Box

heavy metal testing kits

15% Off: HEALTHCANAL

See myLAB Box Reviews

If you want to test the greatest number of heavy metals for the lowest cost, myLAB Box is a great pick. Because there is no interpretation offered for your results, be prepared to discuss the results with your physician.

  • Tests for 10 heavy metals, the most of the three test kits in this review
  • The least expensive test of the three test kits in this review
  • Website was less informative for users
  • Less support for interpreting results for your heavy metals test

If you’re looking for high-quality CBD products, SpruceCBD has you covered. Choose from two highly concentrated

myLAB Box is a great option for someone who wants to see the levels of ten of the most potentially harmful heavy metals: Arsenic, Bromine, Cadmium, Creatinine, Iodine, Lithium, Magnesium, Mercury, Selenium, and Zinc. 

myLAB Box uses urine testing that can be done at home. Once the test sample is collected, you send it in a pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. You can expect to receive the results in 2-5 days.

The myLab Box website says it offers free physician consultations, but there isn’t a lot of information on the website. It would be best to review the results with your healthcare provider. 

The best features of myLAB Box are the greatest number of heavy metals tested for at the lowest price. However, the website and lack of support for interpreting test results could leave some users confused and frustrated. 

The labs myLAB Box uses are FDA registered, they are listed with the CDC and they accept payment with FSA/HSA funds. 

This test kit is best for people who want to be tested for the greatest number of heavy metals and have a trusted healthcare provider who can help them interpret the results and address any concerns.

Health Labs

heavy metal testing kits

10% Off First Purchase

See Health Labs Reviews

Health Labs is a great test kit for people who are interested in testing for individual toxic metals like lead and certain other elements that can only be detected with a heavy metal blood test.

  • Can test for individual heavy metals including lead, or up to six elements for a heavy metals panel payments
  • Offers a 110% guarantee–if you find the exact test for cheaper, they will match the price and give you a 10% discount
  • Requires getting your blood or urine samples taken at one of their testing centers
  • Has a call/chat feature with trained care advisors
  • No additional insights or resources are available for interpreting results

Health Labs is a great option for someone who wants to test for individual toxic elements (Arsenic, Lead, Mercury) as well as other harmful toxic metals in a heavy metals panel which could include Cadmium, Cobalt, and Thallium. 

Health Labs requires that you go to one of their testing centers to collect either blood or urine samples for testing, depending on which test option you choose. Once the test sample is collected, it is tested at a certified lab. Results are available within 24-72 hours through a secure online account.

The best feature of Health Labs is that you can order individual tests for elements that are essential for good health, such as iron and zinc, in addition to a heavy metals panel that will test for several toxic elements. 

The least convenient feature of Health Labs is that it requires you to go to a testing center, rather than an easy sample that can be collected at home. However, this does reduce the likelihood of a contaminated sample and inaccurate results. 

This test kit is best for people who don’t mind the inconvenience of going to a testing center and who want to test for individual toxic metals.

EverlyWell

EverlyWell is a great heavy metal testing kit for someone who prefers to receive their test results digitally. The EverlyWell platform is easy to understand and provides personalized insights for interpreting results.

  • Test results are delivered digitally and securely on the EverlyWell platform
  • Tests for six heavy metals and two trace minerals
  • Doesn’t test for aluminum or lead, two common heavy metals
  • You may not like the digital platform

EverlyWell is a great option for someone who wants to test the levels of four of the most potentially harmful heavy metals (Arsenic, Mercury, Cadmium, Bromine), as well as two essential trace minerals (Selenium, Iodine),  and creatinine. 

EverlyWell uses urine testing that can be done at home. Once the test sample is collected, you send it in a pre-addressed, postage-paid return envelope. You can expect to receive the results in a few days.

The best feature of EverlyWell is that results are available digitally on the EverlyWell platform. It shows your results in an easy-to-understand format with additional insights and resources. There is also a live webinar led by health professionals so that you can learn more about your results and ask questions. However, it is still recommended that you review the results with your healthcare provider. 

The labs EverlyWell uses are certified to meet both state and federal standards, tests are reviewed and approved by independent, board-certified physicians, and they accept payment with FSA/HSA funds. 

This test kit is best for people who prefer the ease and convenience of reviewing their test results digitally. 

How To Detect Heavy Metal In Your Body?

Heavy metals can wreak havoc on your immune system and overall health so it is best to detect as early as possible using blood or urine analysis. Some of the earliest signs[1] include abdominal pains, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, unexplained changes in behavior, and anemia.

Here are some of the most common types of toxic metal exposures[2] and poisonings and the effects they can have on your body:

  • Arsenic exposure is a risk for people working in or near hazardous waste sites or people who are exposed to pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides
  • Arsenic poisoning can result in neurological issues, abdominal pain, anemia, and even death
  • Cadmium exposure is a risk for people in industrial workplaces, especially where ore is being processed or smelted
  • Cadmium poisoning can result in fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of lung, kidney, and/or liver function, and even death
  • Lead exposure is a risk for people in construction, automotive repair, mining, and contamination of water due to lead pipes
  • Lead poisoning varies depending on age and level of exposure but can result in neurological problems, brain damage, kidney disease, depression and/or anxiety, and even death
  • Mercury exposure is a risk for those who work in mining, production, and transportation of mercury, dental assistants, and hygienists; a diet high in fish can also result in elevated mercury levels
  • Mercury poisoning causes permanent nervous system function and lung, kidney, brain, and/or skin damage

How To Choose The Best At-home Home Heavy Metal Test

If you are concerned about heavy metal exposure or if there is suspected exposure to toxic metal in your life or work environment, you don’t have to take a trip to the doctor’s office to find out. You can order an at-home testing kit to confirm if your blood or urine contains heavy metals within a toxic range. 

When selecting an at-home heavy metals test, there are a few things you want to consider. Remember, the best test for you is the one that gives you accurate results and peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Quality

When shopping for an at-home heavy metals test, look for companies that are transparent in their processes and clear about what you can expect. When you receive the kit, make sure all packaging is intact and labels are clearly marked and accurate. If any part of the kit is missing or damaged, contact the company’s customer service immediately.

Method

All test kits require some sort of sample collection and many at-home heavy metals tests are urine tests. This is great if you are testing children or if the thought of pricking your finger for a blood sample makes you queasy. But keep in mind that the results from your at-home tests can become contaminated easier than if the test was collected in a controlled lab setting. 

Price

Testing for heavy metals shouldn’t break the bank. Luckily, many companies have cost-effective options. And while heavy metal tests are not usually covered by health insurance, most test companies accept HSA and FSA payments. 

Test Result

Some companies offer interpretations and insights into the results of the heavy metals test but some do not. At the very least, you should look for a company that shows your levels and the normal or ideal ranges within the heavy metals panel. It is recommended that you discuss your results with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is most at risk for heavy metal poisoning?

Fetuses and young children have an increased risk for severe and long-term effects of heavy metal poisoning. Those who eat a diet high in fish are at risk of mercury poisoning. Also at risk are those who are in mining and smelting operations and people who work in construction and are exposed to potentially toxic industrial chemicals.

What are the signs and symptoms of heavy metal toxicity?

Heavy metal toxicity symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; heart abnormalities; kidney damage; liver damage; lung irritation; brain dysfunction; changes in behavior; miscarriage or premature labor in pregnant women. For more information, go to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center found here[3].

How can I reduce my exposure to heavy metals?

Cigarette smoke, lead-based paint, contaminated drinking water, and pollution are some of the most common causes of heavy metal toxicity. Stop smoking, learn how to safely remove lead-based paint from your home, and have your drinking water tested for contaminants.

What method of testing for heavy metals is most accurate?

Blood and urine samples provide more accurate heavy metal results compared to hair or fingernail samples.

Are heavy metal tests covered by insurance?

Heavy metal tests are not usually covered by insurance unless you work in an environment where heavy metal exposure is a risk. But most at-home test companies offer affordable test options and accept HSA and FSA payment.

Should I do a heavy metal blood test or a urine test?

Urine tests are the less painful option, but some heavy metals might be best detected through a blood sample. It depends on the duration and level of exposure to environmental toxins. Consult your doctor to find out which test would be best for you.

What should I do if my results show possible heavy metal toxicity?

If your test results show possible heavy metal toxicity, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor will be able to assess the danger, determine the cause, and prescribe treatment.

What should I do if I think I have heavy metal poisoning?

If you suspect that you have heavy metal poisoning, you should contact your doctor immediately. Heavy metal poisoning is dangerous and can lead to long-term damage.


+ 3 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). (2016). Heavy Metal Poisoning – NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders). [online] Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/heavy-metal-poisoning/#symptoms.
  2. ‌Osha.gov. (2014). Toxic Metals – Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. [online] Available at: https://www.osha.gov/toxic-metals.
  3. Nih.gov. (2017). Heavy metal poisoning | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program. [online] Available at: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6577/heavy-metal-poisoning.
Katie Swanson

Medically reviewed by:

Kimberly Langdon

Katie Swanson is a health and wellness writer with a decade of educational and work experience in public health and wellness. She loves writing to help others live healthier, happier lives.

Medically reviewed by:

Kimberly Langdon

Journal of Physical Education and Sport

Trusted Source

Go to source

SciELO - Scientific Electronic Library Online

Trusted Source

Go to source

African Journals Online

Non-profit Platform for African Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine

American Board of Family Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Informit

RMIT University Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Food Safety Authority

Science, Safe food, Sustainability

Trusted Source
Go to source

OrthoInfo

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Academy of Family Physicians

Strengthen family physicians and the communities they care for

Trusted Source
Go to source

Agricultural Research Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

The American Journal of Medicine

Official Journal of The Alliance for Academic Internal Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Lippincott Journals

Subsidiaries of Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute on Aging

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Translational Research

The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cell

An All-science Publisher

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of Translational Medicine

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Protecting America's Consumers

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Human Genome Research Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

Trusted Source
Go to source

Food Production, Processing and Nutrition

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

BMC Gastroenterology

BioMed Central

Part of Springer Nature
Go to source

ACS Publications

A Division of The American Chemical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Annual Reviews

Independent, Non-profit Academic Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

PubChem

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Library of Medicine
Go to source

PLOS Journals

Nonprofit Publisher of Open-access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Thieme E-books & E-Journals

Peer-reviewed & Open Access Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences

Peer-reviewed International Journal Publishes

Trusted Source
Go to source

Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing Home

Chemical Science Journals, Books and Database

Trusted Source
Go to source

Frontiers

Publisher of Peer-reviewed Articles in Open Acess Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

De Gruyter

German Scholarly Publishing House

Trusted Source
Go to source

Hindawi

Open Access Research Journals & Papers

Trusted Source
Go to source

Oilseeds and Fats, Crops and Lipids

EDP Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge Core

Cambridge University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

FoodData Central

U.S. Department Of Agriculture

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the American Heart Association

Peer-reviewed Open Access Scientific Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

Trusted Source
Go to source

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Organization of Food and Nutrition Professionals

tr
Go to source

Sage Journals

Database From Sage Publications

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Drug Abuse

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The ClinMed International Library

A Repository and an Open Access Publisher for Medical Research

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Royal Society Publishing

United Kingdom's National Academy of Sciences

Trusted Source
Go to source

APA PsycNet

Database From American Psychological Association

Trusted Source
Go to source

The Pharma Innovation Journal

Peer-reviewed And Refereed Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Development

Peer-reviewed Bimonthly Journal

Trusted Source
Go to source

British Pharmacological Society

Journals - Wiley Online Library

Trusted Source
Go to source

American Psychological Association

Scientific and Professional Organization of Psychologists

Trusted Source
Go to source

AAP Publications

Database From American Academy of Pediatrics

Trusted Source
Go to source

Karger Publishers

Academic Publisher of Scientific and Medical Journals and Books

Trusted Source
Go to source

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Database From Cambridge University

Trusted Source
Go to source

National Institute of Mental Health

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

MDPI

Publisher of Open Access Journals

Trusted Source
Go to source

Bulletin of the National Research Centre

Part of Springer Nature

Trusted Source
Go to source

The New England Journal of Medicine

Massachusetts Medical Society

Trusted Source
Go to source

Economic Research Service

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Trusted Source
Go to source

MedlinePlus

Database From National Library of Medicine

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

National Institute of Health

An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Trusted Source
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

The BMJ

Weekly Peer-reviewed Medical Trade Journal

The British Medical Association
Go to source

The British Psychological Society

The British Psychological Society is a charity registered in England

Database From Wiley Online Library
Go to source

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

DailyMed

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source

Google Scholar

Go to source

Science.gov: USA.gov for Science

Government Science Portal

Go to source

ResearchGate

Social Network Service For Scientists

Find and share research
Go to source

American Heart Association

To be a rentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives

Go to source

BioMed Central

Research in progress

Go to source

JAMA Network

Home of JAMA and the Specialty Journals of the American Medical Association

Go to source

Springer Link

Database From Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Springer - International Publisher Science, Technology, Medicine
Go to source

ODS

Database from Office of Dietary Supplements

National Institutes of Health
Go to source

Federal Trade Commission

Bureaus of Consumer Protection, Competition and Economics
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database From U.S. Department of Health & Human Services

Governmental Authority
Go to source

Oxford Academic Journals

Oxford University Press

Trusted Source
Go to source

Taylor & Francis Online

Peer-reviewed Journals

Academic Publishing Division of Informa PLC
Go to source

WHO

Database from World Health Organization

Go to source

Journal of Neurology

Peer-reviewed Medical Journal

American Academy of Neurology Journal
Go to source

ScienceDirect

Bibliographic Database of Scientific and Medical Publications

Dutch publisher Elsevier
Go to source

Wiley Online Library

American Multinational Publishing Company

Trusted Source
Go to source

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

U.S. National Public Health Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

Trusted Source

Database from U.S. National Library of Medicine

U.S. Federal Government
Go to source

U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Federal Agency

U.S Department of Health and Human Services
Go to source

PubMed Central

Database From National Institute Of Health

U.S National Library of Medicine
Go to source
Feedback

Help us rate this article

Thank you for your feedback

Keep in touch to see our improvement