Affiliate disclaimer: Our recommendations include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.
Heavy metals like copper, selenium, zinc, mercury, lead, and cadmium are naturally existent within our environment and they can sometimes pose a threat to our health and wellbeing.
Therefore, we must at all costs avoid repeated and long-term exposure as evidence shows this can cause several health conditions, including cancer, reduced nerve function, nervous system and thyroid-related issues, and Alzheimer’s disease, related to various heavy metal poisoning, like mercury poisoning and lead poisoning.
It may even cause premature labor or miscarriage.
Who wants that, right? So, medical experts recommend regular testing, especially if you work in an environment with these heavy metals.
One affordable and convenient way to get this done is with at-home heavy metals tests.
In this article, we will explore the accuracy of heavy metal testing at home and look at some of the best brands on the market.
Can I Do An At-Home Heavy Metals Test?
The short answer is yes, you can certainly do an at-home heavy metals test should you need to check for elements like copper, selenium, zinc, mercury, lead, and cadmium.
There are many well-respected brands that manufacture at-home heavy metals tests as we have outlined in this post.
These tests measure heavy metal poisoning caused by certain environmental toxins.
However, with heavy metal testing that can be done at home, you are afforded the convenience of doing a heavy metal blood test or a urine test from the privacy of your home through a simple ordering and sample collection process.
These tests are ideal for times of restrictive movement and for persons who don’t have the free time to go sit in a doctor’s office or lab to get the test done.
Also, if you have a family member that is bed-ridden or currently unable to move about freely, heavy metals testing at home is a very good option to consider.
Doing heavy metal tests at home is becoming an increasingly popular practice and it’s not just because of the pandemic that has caused many of us to remain indoors more.
Another factor that attributes to these tests’ rise in usage is their credibility and quality, particularly with many brands.
How can I do an At-home Heavy Metals Test?
At-home heavy metals tests are generally pretty simple to use, and they all come with step-by-step instructions that you can follow for an uncomplicated experience.
Below, we have outlined a few things that you must know and take into consideration for successful home heavy metals testing.
But first, here are some steps you can take to do your heavy metals test at home.
Each at-home heavy metal test kit may require a different collection technique depending on the sample required, such as blood, nail, hair, urine, etc.
How you do your at-home heavy metals test is highly dependent on the sample type that the test requires and may also rely on the type of metals you are testing yourself for.
Basic steps that are similar across all types of samples
- The first thing you must do is search for a reputable company and register online with the company you are purchasing the kit to do your heavy metal test at home.
- Next, once the package gets delivered to you, read the instructions and collect the sample for your heavy metals home test as directed. Try not to rush, this can cause mistakes.
- Once you have collected your sample, package and ship it to the lab address provided. The company you purchase your kit from will provide an envelope or other packaging resource for you to ship the sample to.
- Lastly, check for your results either via email or your online account with the company. The results are usually ready five to seven days after sample submission. If necessary, get treated right away.
Depending on your result, some companies will provide clinician support or referral to make the process easier for you.
It is imperative that you follow the instructions correctly to facilitate getting an accurate result. You do not want to get a false positive or negative reading based on an incorrect technique.
Additionally, you must pay attention to expiration dates, which are usually listed clearly in the instruction manual.
So, ensure you send that sample for testing as soon as you’ve collected it or as according to their guidelines.
Quick Look
- Everlywell– This at-home affordable, and trustworthy product by Everly measures six environmental toxins that may affect your overall health and wellness.
- 5Strands– This assessment tests for sixty (60) metals and minerals found in your diet and environment.
- My LabBox– This at-home heavy metals screening is suitable for men and women. Using a urine collection method, this test checks the levels of ten potentially harmful metals
- Doctor’s Data– Doctor’s Data at-home heavy metal test is currently available on Amazon and is ideal for testing for arsenic, lead, mercury, and more toxic elements, chemicals, and heavy metals in the body.
- Thorne’s at-home blood test provides insights into levels of heavy metals and essential elements in your body.
Overview
This at-home affordable, and trustworthy product by Everlywell uses a urine sample to measure certain environmental toxins that may affect your overall health and wellness.
It uses a urine sample collection to measure the levels of several environmental heavy metals and minerals within your body. The product is easy to use with thorough instructions.
Highlights
- This brand offers two buying options; single purchase and subscription. The subscription is ideal for persons who have a requirement for regular testing.
- Everlywell’s test measures levels of six (6) heavy metals and essential trace minerals.
- Pre-paid shipping both ways and all the materials for sample collection and sample analysis are included in the price.
- Each lab Everly works with is CLIA-certified.
- The product offers an easy-to-use at-home heavy metals test kit.
- The company ensures complete privacy of your data and complies with not sharing any kind of information with a third party.
Pricing
This product is available on Everly.com for $199 for a one-time purchase.
However, there are multiple subscription offers that allow you to save 25% monthly, 20% quarterly, and 15% annually.
You also get free shipping with every purchase. FSA / HSA payments are accepted.
My Take
Everlywell’s at-home heavy metal tests kit is ideal for anyone looking to have a one-time test done and those who need to save money on getting tested regularly.
Overview
This metals and minerals test by 5Strands is part of a Functional Health Assessment that helps you take the first steps on your wellness journey.
This assessment tests for sixty (60) metals and minerals found in your diet and environment. This is a US, female-owned brand that uses cutting-edge, NASA-based science.
5Strands specializes in using BIORESONANCE technology to determine which of the sixty (60) items tested resonate as an imbalance with your body.
Highlights
- This test kit checks the levels for sixty (60) metals and minerals.
- They offer quick delivery.
- Consultations are available for persons who are not sure if they need a test, and also for those whose results show high levels of minerals or toxins.
- 5Strands offers a simple purchasing and online registration process.
- This brand uses high-tech BIORESONANCE to ensure you get the most accurate results.
Pricing
The flat rate for these minerals and metals test is $66. They accept a variety of payment methods, including AMEX, Apple Pay, Visa, PayPal, and many more. No subscription plans are offered.
My Take
5Strands at-home heavy metals test, while can be used for one-time testing, is more suitable for persons who need to do regular tests for a wide range of elements as it offers very affordable pricing.
Overview
This at-home heavy metals screening is suitable for men and women. Using a urine collection method, this test checks the levels of a number of potentially harmful metals, including, arsenic, bromine, cadmium, creatinine, iodine, lithium, magnesium, mercury, selenium, and zinc.
The myLAB Box at home heavy metals test kit is used to find out if you have been exposed to certain metals, and how much of the metal is in your system.
Of note, at the time of writing this article, the home heavy metals test kit from myLAB Box was temporarily unavailable in NY state.
Highlights
- You will receive a mail-in kit for home use.
- You can complete the test in just 5 minutes.
- This brand returns your lab results in 2–5 days.
- It is a 100% pain-free process.
- They offer free 2-Day shipping with every purchase.
- This brand provides lab consultations.
- In every purchase, you will receive a pre-addressed return envelope (Postage Paid).
- LabBox works with certified CAP and CLIA high complexity testing organizations to ensure accurate results.
- This brand employs HIPAA web security protocols to protect your data from breaches.
Pricing
You can pay with FSA / HSA cards. Kit available for $199.
My Take
LaBox’s home testing kit for heavy metals is suitable for anyone who needs to get tested for a series of common metals.
Overview
Doctor’s Data at-home heavy metals test is currently available on Amazon and is ideal for testing for arsenic, lead, mercury, and more toxic elements, chemicals, and heavy metals in the body.
In total, it tests the levels of thirty-one (31) toxins and metals. This test kit uses hair samples to check for toxic elements, chemicals, and heavy metals.
Highlights
- This test kit has a long detection window of up to six (6) months.
- You can get your test results within 7 to 10 business days.
- You get pre-paid return shipping when purchased through test country only – no additional fees are required.
- Doctor’s Data offers a simple sample collection process.
- The kit is a CLIA Accredited Laboratory test to provide accurate results.
- You will get your test results presented in quantified detail, showing the screenings at microgram and gram levels.
Pricing
Doctor’s Data Toxic Element Exposure Testing Kit is available for $99.50 and is set at an affordable price to ensure that it is accessible to anyone who might have come in contact with dangerous substances. No subscription plans are offered.
My Take
Doctor’s Data at-home heavy metal test kit is an ideal test for anyone with suspected exposure to toxic or hazardous elements. With its affordable pricing, anyone can access it.
Overview
Thorne’s at-home blood test provides insights into levels of heavy metals and essential elements in your body.
Using a small blood sample, this test assesses your personal biomarker values, which are then displayed on an easy-to-read dashboard with descriptions of what each biomarker value means for you.
These insights help you to identify potential health risks or specific areas of improvement.
Highlights
- In your test results, Thorne includes a personalized health plan for diet, activity, and supplement recommendations.
- Insights are generated using the Onegevity Health Intelligence platform.
- The Thorne at-home heavy metals test kit checks for three (3) heavy metals and five (5) essential minerals.
- Thorne offers a simple kit activation and profile registration process.
- A referencing and directions booklet included is in your test kit.
- Your results will be reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician. Once you’ve sent your samples to the lab.
- You will receive your results after 8-10 business days.
Pricing
The Thorne heavy metals at-home test kit is available for $145.
When in stock, the company offers a subscription plan, where you can save up to 20%.
My Take
This test is ideal for persons who smoke, work around toxic elements, live in a home that was built prior to 1978, drink water from old pipes, and are trying to conceive.
But people who need a simple routine check for official purposes may also use this test.
Are At-Home Heavy Metals Tests Accurate?
Most at-home heavy metals tests are quite accurate as this again depends on the brand you choose.
A good brand can show levels of toxic elements from varying samples like urine, blood, fingernail, etc. accurately.
Many companies will prefer to use urine or blood as research has shown that these options tend to provide the most credible results.
Also, it is important to understand that accuracy is further dependent on other factors, such as the duration and extent of exposure and how long ago that exposure was.
Moreover, to ensure its correctness, the sample must be properly collected to avoid contamination, etc.
Summary
Heavy metals in high amounts are quite dangerous to your health, as they can lead to many health complications.
If you smoke, work around toxic elements, live in a home that was built prior to 1978, drink water from old pipes, and are trying to conceive, medical experts recommend regular testing.
Using any of these reliable at-home heavy metals tests can help you prevent serious complications.