Heavy Metals Panel (Venous)
Use
This test measures levels of heavy metals—specifically arsenic, lead, and mercury—in whole blood to assess potential exposure to toxic elements; elevated levels may indicate environmental or occupational exposure associated with adverse health effects.
Special Instructions
Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection. Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid worksite collection. Use metal‑free (trace element) royal blue EDTA tube; non‑trace element tubes may lead to inaccurate results and may require re‑submission notice.
Limitations
Specimens submitted in non‑trace element tubes or clotted specimens may yield inaccurate results. Elevated levels reported from inappropriate samples may prompt a recommendation for repeat collection using a trace element tube.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Royal Blue (EDTA) tube (trace element)
Collection Instructions
Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours; clean skin prior to venipuncture; avoid collection at worksite; non‑trace element tubes may be accepted but reported with re‑submission message.
Patient Preparation
Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours
Storage Instructions
Transport ambient or refrigerated
Causes for Rejection
Clotted specimen; submission in non‑trace element tube may trigger re‑submission notice
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |