Heavy metals lab tests

Checks for arsenic, a natural element that can get into well water and some foods, such as rice. It clears from the blood quickly, so this can mostly show very recent exposure, and a urine test is often used instead.

Cadmium is a metal found in tobacco smoke, some foods and certain workplaces. It builds up in the body over time, mostly in the kidneys.

Shows how much lead is in blood drawn from a vein. Lead can come from old paint and dust, soil, and some imported spices, cosmetics and pottery.

Mercury in the blood mostly comes from eating fish, especially large fish that eat other fish. The level can mainly reflect your recent exposure.