What is the Lead (Urine) test?

The Lead (Urine) test measures the amount of lead being excreted in urine. Lead is a toxic heavy metal with no biological role in the human body and can accumulate over time with repeated exposure.

Urine testing is commonly used to assess recent or ongoing exposure and is particularly useful in environmental, occupational and toxicology assessments. In some clinical contexts, urine lead may be measured after chelation or mobilisation to evaluate total body burden.

This test complements blood lead testing by providing insight into lead elimination and exposure dynamics.

Why do I need a Lead (Urine) test?

Lead exposure can occur silently and cause long-term health effects if not identified early. Testing helps determine whether exposure is present and whether intervention is required.

You may need a Lead (Urine) test if you:

• Work in construction, manufacturing or battery-related industries
• Live in older properties with lead plumbing or paint
• Have environmental or occupational exposure concerns
• Experience unexplained neurological or gastrointestinal symptoms
• Have children exposed to potential lead sources
• Are undergoing heavy metal detoxification assessment
• Want toxicology screening for environmental metals

Symptoms associated with lead exposure may include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Memory or concentration issues
• Irritability or mood changes
• Joint or muscle pain

Benefits of the Lead (Urine) test

• Detects lead exposure
  Identifies toxic metal elimination.
• Useful for occupational health screening
  Monitors workplace exposure.
• Assesses ongoing toxic burden
  Helpful in chronic exposure.
• Supports environmental health investigations
  Identifies household or water-related risks.
• Complements blood lead testing
  Provides additional exposure insight.
• Clinically recognised toxicology marker
  Used in environmental medicine.
• Non-invasive sample collection
  Simple urine sample required.
• Guides exposure reduction strategies
  Supports targeted intervention.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access Lead (Urine) testing UK-wide through two options:

1. Clinic appointment
   Attend your nearest UK clinic to provide a urine sample.
2. At-home testing
   Collect your urine sample at home using the provided kit and return it securely.

Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory using sensitive analytical methods.

Your results explained

Low or undetectable urine lead

No significant recent lead exposure detected.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Within laboratory reference range

Moderately elevated urine lead

Suggests recent or ongoing lead exposure.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Above reference range

High urine lead levels

Indicate significant exposure and increased health risk. Clinical follow-up is recommended.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Markedly above reference range

Interpretation depends on exposure history and testing context.