Iodine & Toxic Elements Test

About this test

What This Test Measures

GetTested’s Iodine & Toxic Elements Test measures a combination of essential and toxic elements using a dried urine sample.

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production and plays a central role in metabolism and energy regulation. Selenium supports antioxidant processes and contributes to normal thyroid function, while bromine may interact with iodine in the body.

The test also includes elements such as arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, which may reflect environmental exposure. These substances can enter the body through food, water, or surroundings and may accumulate over time.

Creatinine is measured to account for urine concentration, supporting more accurate interpretation of the results.

By assessing these markers together, the test provides insight into both nutritional status and potential exposure to environmental elements.

How It Works

You collect your sample at home using the instructions provided in the kit. The sample is then sent to a certified laboratory for analysis, and your results are delivered digitally once testing is complete.

Dried Urine Collection

The test uses a dried urine sample collected at home.

This method allows for convenient sampling without the need for blood collection and is commonly used for assessing elements and metabolites. Once collected, the sample is dried and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Who Should Consider This Test

This test is relevant for individuals who want insight into iodine status and potential exposure to environmental elements.

It may be particularly useful when exploring nutrient balance, thyroid-related factors, or possible exposure to substances such as arsenic, cadmium, or mercury. It can also be used as a general assessment of essential and toxic elements.

Understanding CLIA Certification

Your sample is analyzed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, ensuring that testing is performed according to established U.S. quality standards using validated methods.

Biomarkers included

• Lithium: Lithium (Li) is a naturally occurring element, known primarily for its use in psychiatric treatment. In trace amounts, lithium may influence mood stability and mental health. Emerging research suggests that small doses of lithium could support cognitive function, mood enhancement, and neuroprotection, highlighting its potential role in neurological health.
• Bromine (Br): Bromine (Br) reflects exposure to bromine-containing compounds, which can be found in certain foods, medications, and environmental sources. Elevated levels may indicate increased exposure, and bromine can interact with iodine metabolism in the body. Monitoring bromine levels can provide additional context when assessing overall mineral balance and potential environmental influences.
• Mercury: Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal found in certain products such as thermometers and dental fillings. While low exposure is generally harmless, excessive levels can be toxic, affecting the nervous, digestive, and immune systems. High mercury exposure may cause symptoms like tremors, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment, and it poses significant environmental risks, particularly
• Iodine: The iodine (I) level is a measure of the body’s supply of a vital mineral essential for thyroid health. Iodine plays a key role in the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and energy production. While iodine is naturally found in seafood, dairy, and some grains, deficiency is common, particularly in regions with iodine-poor soil. Insufficient iodine can lead to thyroi
• Creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product formed in muscles from the normal breakdown of creatine. It is released into the bloodstream and filtered by the kidneys, then excreted in urine. Because creatinine levels are influenced by how efficiently the kidneys filter blood, it is commonly used to assess kidney function. Elevated creatinine may indicate reduced kidney filtration or kidney disease, while low lev
• Cadmium: Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with no beneficial role in the human body. Prolonged exposure to cadmium can cause serious health problems, including kidney damage, weakened bones, and a higher risk of cancer. Because cadmium accumulates in the body over time, even low-level exposure poses a concern for long-term health.
• Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can be highly toxic to humans. Found in soil, water, and certain industrial materials, it disrupts normal cellular processes and is classified as a carcinogen. Even at low levels, arsenic exposure can pose significant risks to health, affecting multiple organs and systems.
• Selenium: Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in antioxidant defense, thyroid hormone metabolism, and immune function. It acts as a cofactor for selenoproteins, enzymes that protect cells from oxidative damage and are vital for DNA synthesis and reproduction. Measuring selenium levels can indicate nutritional status and potential risks for various health conditions related to de

How to prepare

Specific preparation instructions will be included with your test kit, potentially involving temporary dietary adjustments or avoiding certain supplements to ensure optimal accuracy.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly does this test tell me about my health?

This comprehensive trace mineral test provides insights into your body's levels of essential minerals (Iodine, Selenium, Lithium) crucial for functions like thyroid health and mood, alongside potentially toxic elements (Bromine, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury). These toxic elements, identified through toxic element testing, can impact various bodily processes. Creatinine levels are used for accurate normalization, making this an effective nutrient deficiency test and environmental toxins test.

How accurate are dried urine samples for these elements compared to other methods?

Dried urine samples, processed by a CLIA-certified lab, offer comparable accuracy to other established methods for many of these elements. This reliable heavy metal testing at home method provides a convenient and stable way to assess element excretion over time, ensuring accurate mercury toxicity test urine, arsenic exposure test, and cadmium bromine test results. This is a robust method for dried urine heavy metal analysis.

Is the home collection process difficult or messy for this urine test?

The home collection process for this urine heavy metal test is designed to be simple and mess-free. Detailed, step-by-step instructions, often with visual guides, are provided in your kit to ensure correct sample collection on specialized filter paper for accurate dried urine heavy metal analysis.

How long does it take to get my results back, and what do they look like?

Results are typically available digitally within 5-10 business days after the lab receives your sample. Your comprehensive report will be easy to understand, with clear explanations for each biomarker measured, including your Iodine deficiency test home and selenium levels test results, alongside reference ranges, aiding in functional medicine mineral testing.

Customer reviews

4.8/5 (5)

• 4/5 — Collection was simple enough. Also good recommendations in the report.
• 5/5 — Results were easy to understand even for a layperson. Made me feel more in control of my health.
• 5/5 — The kit was straightforward, and the results gave me a good starting point to discuss with my nutritionist. Definitely recommend for anyone curious about their levels.
• 5/5 — The dried urine sample was surprisingly easy. Got my results digitally within a few days which was really helpful.
• 5/5 — Been wanting to check these levels for ages. So convenient to do at home.