Arsenic (Blood)

What is an Arsenic (Blood) Test?

The Arsenic (Blood) Test evaluates the level of arsenic currently present in your blood, providing a clear indication of very recent or ongoing exposure to this toxic heavy metal.

Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment, in soil, groundwater, and certain foods, but it is also used industrially in metal smelting, pesticides, and wood preservation. Exposure can happen through contaminated water, inhalation of dust, or ingestion of food grown in affected soil.

High arsenic levels can damage the liver, kidneys, skin, nerves, and cardiovascular system. While the urine test reflects exposure over several days, the blood test detects acute or current arsenic presence in your system, typically exposure that occurred within the past 24–48 hours.

At London Blood Tests, this test uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), the gold-standard laboratory method for trace metal analysis, ensuring exceptional sensitivity, precision, and clinical reliability.

Benefits of the Arsenic (Blood) Test

• Detects Current Exposure
  Accurately measures arsenic circulating in your bloodstream, ideal for detecting exposure that occurred within the past 24–48 hours.

• Assesses Acute Toxicity
  Useful in suspected cases of acute poisoning, occupational accidents, or environmental contamination.

• Guides Urgent Medical Treatment
  Results can inform whether chelation therapy or other detoxification measures are necessary.

• Complements Urine Testing
  Provides real-time data that can be compared with urine arsenic levels to assess how your body is eliminating the toxin.

• Ideal for Occupational & Environmental Screening
  Recommended for workers in industries such as agriculture, metal processing, chemical manufacturing, or mining.

• Prevents Long-Term Organ Damage
  Early detection helps reduce the risk of chronic health effects linked to ongoing arsenic exposure.

• Optional GP Consultation for Review
  Results can be discussed with a GP to interpret exposure source, guide treatment, or recommend further tests.

Why Do I Need an Arsenic (Blood) Test?

The Arsenic (Blood) Test is recommended when acute arsenic exposure is suspected, for example, after contact with contaminated water, industrial materials, or toxic substances.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Sudden or unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Metallic taste, dry mouth, or excessive thirst
• Headache, dizziness, or confusion
• Skin flushing or tingling in hands and feet
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
• Fatigue, weakness, or muscle cramps

This test is also suitable for:

• Individuals working with chemicals, pesticides, or treated wood
• Those living near mining or smelting areas
• People exposed to contaminated well or groundwater sources
• Patients with elevated arsenic levels on previous tests (for follow-up monitoring)

Testing helps identify whether the exposure is acute (recent) or chronic (ongoing), supporting early medical intervention and prevention of long-term effects.

Step-by-Step: How the Test Works

In-Clinic Testing at London Blood Tests

1. Book Your Appointment
• Book online or by phone, no GP referral required.
• You’ll receive an email confirming your appointment time and preparation instructions.
2. Pre-Test Guidance
• Avoid seafood and seaweed-based supplements for at least 48–72 hours before testing, as they can cause temporary spikes in organic (non-toxic) arsenic.
• Stay well hydrated before your visit.
3. Sample Collection
• A healthcare professional collects a small blood sample (typically from a vein in your arm).
• The process takes 5–10 minutes and is minimally invasive.
4. Laboratory Analysis
• Your sample is sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory, where it undergoes ICP-MS analysis, capable of detecting arsenic at parts-per-billion levels.
• The lab differentiates between inorganic (toxic) and organic (non-toxic) arsenic species if required.
5. Quality Control and Verification
• Results are reviewed by biomedical scientists to ensure accuracy.
• Any abnormal or borderline results may trigger a confirmatory re-test.
6. Results Delivery
• You’ll receive your secure digital report within 10 business days after the sample reaches the laboratory.
7. Optional GP Consultation
• If your results are elevated, you can book a GP consultation for interpretation, exposure analysis, and next-step recommendations.

At-Home Blood Draw (UK-Wide Service)

1. Book Your Appointment
• Schedule your at-home or hotel phlebotomy visit online or by phone.
• Choose a date and time that suits your schedule, same-day or next-day appointments are often available in London and surrounding areas.
2. Professional Phlebotomist Visit
• A trained and certified phlebotomist arrives at your location equipped with sterile, single-use medical supplies.
• The service is discreet, convenient, and follows strict infection-control standards.
3. Sample Collection
• The phlebotomist draws a small venous blood sample (1–2 serum tubes) from your arm, the same as in-clinic.
• The process takes approximately 10 minutes and is comfortable, hygienic, and minimally invasive.
4. Sample Handling and Transport
• Your sample is labelled, sealed, and placed in a temperature-controlled biohazard container.
• It is then couriered directly to our UKAS-accredited laboratory the same day for analysis.
5. Laboratory Testing
• The lab performs the ELISA and immunofluorescence (IFA) assays to detect IgM and IgG antibodies for multiple arboviruses.
• All testing follows ISO 15189 quality standards to ensure precise results.
6. Results Delivery
• Results are typically available within 10 business days after lab receipt.
• You will be notified by email once your digital report is ready in your secure online account.
7. Optional GP Consultation
• If your test is positive or you have ongoing symptoms, you can book an optional GP consultation (via phone or video) for expert interpretation, travel advice, and next-step recommendations.

Your Arsenic (Blood) Test Results – Explained

Blood arsenic levels are reported in micrograms per litre (µg/L) or micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL), depending on the laboratory standard.

Typical UK Reference Ranges:

• Normal: < 10 µg/L (no significant exposure)
• Mild elevation: 10–50 µg/L (possible recent exposure; repeat or confirm with urine test)
• Moderate to high: >50 µg/L (suggests recent toxic exposure; medical review advised)
• Severe toxicity: >100 µg/L (indicates acute poisoning; requires immediate clinical evaluation)

Interpretation:

• Low/Normal: No concerning exposure detected.
• Moderate: May reflect environmental or dietary exposure (e.g., seafood, contaminated water).
• High: Suggests acute or ongoing exposure; further investigation is needed.
• Very High: Urgent medical attention required, may require chelation therapy.

Important:

• Seafood-derived organic arsenic is less harmful and clears quickly.
• Inorganic arsenic (from industrial or water contamination) is toxic and medically significant.
• If elevated, a paired urine arsenic test helps confirm the duration and degree of exposure.

All results are processed under UKAS ISO 15189 standards, ensuring accurate, reproducible, and clinically validated data.