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Getting Tested

Heavy metals and essential minerals testing

• Why is it important to check the levels of heavy metals and minerals?
• Which test do I choose?
• How Much Does the Metals Test Cost?
• Treatment Options
• Benefits of Metals Testing
• Order the Metals Test

Why is metals testing important?

Toxic metals, such as mercury, lead, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic and others, can affect development and overall health causing depression, hyperactivity, learning difficulties and neurological disorders.

Today, with increasing levels of pollution, metals poisoning is a special concern and testing will be beneficial for anybody suffering from the above-mentioned problems. Chemical products, fertilizers, industrial paint, building materials, fish, silver dental fillings, and some vaccines are just some of the sources of heavy metals poisoning. Many symptoms of this poisoning are difficult to diagnose without advanced laboratory testing.

It is equally important to measure levels of minerals essential for normal development and good health. Minerals play an essential part in all the body's important biochemical reactions. Therefore, it is important for healthy functioning to ensure adequate levels of minerals, as well as eliminate toxic metals.

The Great Plains Laboratory, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of metals testing in hair, blood, urine and stool for children and adults with the following conditions:

Which metals test should I choose?

Hair is ideal for measuring toxic metals accumulated in the body tissues over a period of time. The growing hair follicle is well supplied by the blood vessels, and blood transports essential and toxic elements present in the body. These elements are incorporated and stored in the hair proteins, which are evaluated in the test. Hair testing also gives the most accurate information about interactions between nutrients and toxic metals. Other advantages of hair testing are simple samples requirements and lower cost. The test measures 39 essential and toxic metals, with individual interpretations that will guide you in the treatment process. People who use hair dyes, perm or chemical treatments should be aware that the hair can sometimes give false high values due to the metals in the dyes or chemicals. We recommend cutting the most recently grown hair closest to the scalp. Hair samples do not expire. Check instructions for collecting hair samples here.

Blood is best for measuring levels of essential minerals, determining possible deficiencies and recent exposure with heavy metals.

Urine and fecal testing reflects the levels of heavy metals deposited in the body tissues, but it is most accurate after taking a chelating agent that helps extract metals in urine. These tests are important for evaluating the efficacy of the chelating treatment since they measure levels of metals excreted from the body and the tissues. The urine and fecal elements tests are not recommended unless using a chelating agent before sample collection. Check instructions for collecting urine or fecal samples.

How much does the metals tests cost?

The test kit is free; please see our price list for current processing charges including courier charges (for US residents) and a full report, along with professional consultation concerning test results.

Other questions about cost are answered in our Testing FAQ and Insurance & Payment Information.

Treatment Options

If the test determines excessive levels of heavy metals, it is necessary to eliminate all possible sources of intoxication as soon as possible and consider doing a chelation treatment with the help of a qualified medical professional. See Dr. James Laidler's presentation on heavy metals that includes his recommended chelation protocol.

If minerals deficiencies are detected, it is important to use supplements.

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Benefits of the Metals Testing

• Determining the main or contributing cause of your disorder.
• Chelation (elimination of heavy metals from the body), as well as supplementation with important minerals, brings about significant improvements in the condition of people affected by chronic disorders, autism and developmental problems, according to the recent research.
• Heavy metals may affect normal vitamin and mineral absorption, as well as immune system functioning, and cause metabolic problems.
• Consultation about results is included with each test at The Great Plains Laboratory.

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