Kauri laboratory services · Bangkok

Toxic Metals Testing in Bangkok

Heavy metal testing at Kauri, BTS Punnawithi, Bangkok. Compare an 8-element urine panel for 2,400 baht and a 7-element blood panel for 2,700 baht, both by ICP-MS.

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What is a toxic metals test?

Toxic metals testing measures selected elements in blood or urine to help assess exposure from work, food, water or other sources. Kauri offers an 8-element urine panel for 2,400 baht and a 7-element blood panel for 2,700 baht, using ICP-MS. The right sample and a review of your exposure history turn the measurements into practical next steps.

Compare the two toxic metals panels

Toxic Metals Profile — Urine

฿2,400

8 elements, including arsenic. Measures elements being passed in urine; the usefulness of each result depends on the suspected exposure and collection timing.

Chromium (Cr)
Cobalt (Co)
Manganese (Mn)
Nickel (Ni)
Arsenic (As)
Mercury (Hg)
Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)

Laboratory test name

Toxic Metals Profile in Urine-Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, As, Hg, Pb, Cd (ICP-MS)

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Toxic Metals Profile — Blood

฿2,700

7 elements, without arsenic. Measures levels in the blood sample; blood is the usual specimen for assessing lead exposure.

Chromium (Cr)
Cobalt (Co)
Manganese (Mn)
Nickel (Ni)
Mercury (Hg)
Lead (Pb)
Cadmium (Cd)

Laboratory test name

Toxic Metals Profile in Blood-Cr, Co, Mn, Ni, Hg, Pb, Cd (ICP-MS)

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Both panels use ICP-MS. The urine panel is not automatically better because it includes one more element; choose the sample that answers your exposure question. Preparation and result timing are confirmed before collection.

What does each panel test for?

Compare the two toxic metals panels
Element tested	Urine · 2,400 baht	Blood · 2,700 baht
Chromium (Cr)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel
Cobalt (Co)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel
Manganese (Mn)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel
Nickel (Ni)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel
Arsenic (As)	Included in this panel	Not included in this panel
Mercury (Hg)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel
Lead (Pb)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel
Cadmium (Cd)	Included in this panel	Included in this panel

Arsenic is technically a metalloid, but is commonly grouped with toxic metals in laboratory panels. In these names, Cr means chromium—not creatinine.

Should I choose a blood test or a urine test?

Lead exposure

A blood lead measurement is the standard starting point. A urine lead result does not replace it.

Arsenic exposure

Arsenic is included only in our urine panel. Recent seafood intake can raise total urine arsenic; an elevated result may need a test that distinguishes its chemical forms.

Mercury and other metals

The source and timing matter. Blood is commonly used for mercury from fish; urine is useful for elemental or inorganic mercury exposure. For other metals, your clinician selects the sample around the specific exposure.

Who can benefit from toxic metals testing?

People with a credible exposure: for example, battery recycling, welding, metal processing, or a known contaminated product or water source.
People with symptoms and a relevant history, such as persistent tingling, tremor, abdominal symptoms or changes in concentration after possible exposure.
People following up an earlier raised result or an exposure-reduction plan, with repeat testing timed to the metal involved.

Testing is most useful when it answers a specific exposure question. Tiredness or brain fog alone has many possible causes; a clinical review helps choose the most informative tests. Tell us about pregnancy, children at risk or metal implants so the assessment can be tailored.

How can these metals affect health?

Effects depend on the chemical form, amount, route and duration of exposure. Some elements have normal roles in the body; harm comes from particular forms or excessive exposure. The guide below explains potential effects—not what a detectable result automatically means.

Lead (Pb)

Lead can affect the nervous system, kidneys and blood formation. Children are especially vulnerable to effects on learning and development. Sources can include contaminated dust, old paint and battery-related work.

Mercury (Hg)

Mercury can affect nerves and kidneys. The source may be methylmercury in certain fish, mercury vapour or contaminated products, including some skin-lightening creams. The exposure type guides sample selection.

Arsenic (As)

Long-term inorganic arsenic exposure can affect skin and nerves and increase certain cancer risks. Contaminated water is an important source. Seafood can contain less harmful organic forms that also raise total urine arsenic.

Cadmium (Cd)

Cadmium can damage kidneys and weaken bones; inhaled cadmium can injure lungs. Tobacco smoke and certain industrial processes are relevant sources. Urine and blood results reflect different aspects of exposure.

Chromium (Cr)

Chromium occurs in different forms. Certain workplace exposures, especially hexavalent chromium, can damage skin and airways and increase lung cancer risk. A routine chromium measurement does not by itself identify the original chemical form.

Cobalt (Co)

Cobalt is part of vitamin B12, but excessive exposure is a different issue. Some metalworking and implant-related exposures merit assessment. High exposure can affect lungs, thyroid or blood, depending on its route.

Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is an essential nutrient. Excessive exposure, particularly inhaling welding or industrial fumes, can affect movement, coordination and other nervous-system functions.

Nickel (Ni)

Nickel can trigger contact dermatitis, while some occupational inhalation exposures can affect the lungs. These panels measure nickel exposure; they do not diagnose a jewellery or contact allergy.

What does ICP-MS mean?

ICP-MS stands for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The laboratory uses it to identify and measure very small amounts of elements in a sample. It is an analytical method, not a treatment. Accurate interpretation also depends on collecting the correct sample without contamination.

How should I prepare for testing?

Tell us what you may have been exposed to, when it happened, your job or hobbies, seafood intake, medicines, supplements and any previous metal results.
For urine arsenic, seafood in the previous 48 hours can affect a total arsenic result. Ask Kauri for the laboratory's food-preparation instructions before collection.
Use the collection container supplied or specified by the laboratory. Confirm whether a single urine sample or timed collection is required; do not collect at home in an ordinary jar.
Mention recent scans with contrast and any chelation treatment. Do not take a chelating or 'detox' product to provoke a result, and do not stop prescribed medicines yourself. We confirm any fasting instructions for your booked tests.

What happens if a metal level is high?

Your clinician checks the sample type, units, laboratory range and exposure history, then looks for a source you can reduce or avoid. A repeat or more specific test may clarify the finding. Kidney, blood-count or other checks may be appropriate when organ effects are a concern. Specialist assessment is arranged when needed; chelation is reserved for selected confirmed poisonings, not every raised result.

After a significant chemical exposure, severe vomiting, breathing difficulty, confusion or seizures need urgent hospital assessment. Do not wait for a routine panel result.

Patient questions

Questions about toxic metals testing

How much does toxic metals testing cost at Kauri?

The urine profile costs 2,400 baht and measures 8 elements, including arsenic. The blood profile costs 2,700 baht and measures 7 elements, without arsenic. Both use ICP-MS. Confirm preparation and result timing with the team before your visit.

Do I need both blood and urine testing?

Not necessarily. The most useful choice depends on the suspected metal, its source and when exposure occurred. Blood is the standard sample for lead; arsenic is available in our urine panel. Your clinician can advise whether one panel or complementary testing is appropriate.

Does a detectable metal level mean poisoning?

No. Sensitive methods can detect small amounts from ordinary environmental exposure. The level, chemical form where relevant, symptoms and history determine its significance. An above-range result deserves interpretation, but is not by itself a diagnosis of poisoning.

Can the test show every metal stored in my body?

No single panel measures every tissue or every past exposure. These tests measure the listed elements in the collected sample. Some metals leave blood quickly or remain in tissues, so a normal result may need further assessment when there is a strong exposure history.

Will this test explain fatigue or brain fog?

It can contribute when a metal exposure is plausible. Those symptoms can also relate to sleep, anaemia, thyroid function and other conditions. Tell Kauri your symptoms and concerns so testing addresses the most likely causes rather than assuming metals are responsible.

Is this the same as a mineral deficiency test?

No. These profiles assess selected potentially toxic elements. Nutritional testing asks a different question, such as selenium, copper, zinc or vitamin status. A low result on a toxic metals panel is not a reason to start a supplement.

Do I need a detox drip after testing?

A result does not automatically call for an infusion. The priority is identifying and reducing a relevant exposure. Treatment depends on the metal, level and clinical findings; ordinary wellness drips do not replace specialist treatment for metal poisoning.

Medical sources

Kauri Health Clinic · BTS Punnawithi

Get a clearer picture of your metal exposure

Tell us what concerns you, or book a toxic metals assessment at Kauri, BTS Punnawithi. We help select the right sample and explain what your results mean for the next step.