The benefits of pre- and post-challenge urine heavy metal testing: Part 1.
Measuring urine heavy metals is an accepted method for assessing the presence of these toxins in an individual. A random sample (without a flushing agent) is excellent for showing current exposures because it reflects the level of heavy metals in the bloodstream during the hours immediately before bladder voiding. A sample taken after using a heavy-metal-mobilizing agent provides a reflection of total body burden. By utilizing both pre- and post-flush testing, the clinician gains information that cannot be acquired by other means, including identification of current exposures to lead and mercury - critical for proper treatment. Conducting pre-flush testing is also currently the clinician's only means of identifying cadmium toxicity. In addition, pre- and post-challenge testing allows the clinician to identify which chelating agent is the most effective for the patient; and if oral agents are employed, possible absorption problems can be identified. Since these benefits are not realized with only post-flush testing, it is recommended that clinicians test both before and after a chelation challenge.
Environmental Medicine, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, USA. w.crinnion@scnm.edu
Walter J
WJ
Crinnion
D000328:Adult; D001822:Body Burden; D002104:Cadmium / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D002105:Cadmium Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. / Q000592:standards; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories / Q000592:standards; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012016:Reference Values; D014481:United States
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D003404:Creatinine; D008628:Mercury