What is the Nickel (Urine) test?

The Nickel (Urine) test measures the amount of nickel excreted in urine, reflecting recent or ongoing exposure. Nickel is a metal widely used in industrial processes, alloys, batteries, electronics, and plating, and exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion.

Urine testing is the preferred method for assessing recent nickel exposure, particularly in occupational or environmental settings. Results may be creatinine-adjusted to account for urine concentration.

Why do I need a Nickel (Urine) test?

Nickel exposure can cause allergic, respiratory, and systemic effects, especially with repeated or high-level exposure.

You may need this test if you:

• Work in metal processing, welding, or electroplating

• Have occupational exposure to nickel

• Experience unexplained skin rashes or contact dermatitis

• Have respiratory symptoms with exposure history

• Are being monitored through occupational health

• Have known environmental exposure

• Need assessment after accidental exposure

The test helps determine whether nickel exposure is occurring at potentially harmful levels.

Benefits of the test

1. Assesses recent nickel exposure
   Urine reflects current body excretion.

2. Supports occupational health monitoring
   Commonly used in workplace screening.

3. Non-invasive testing method
   Requires only a urine sample.

4. Detects environmental exposure
   Useful outside industrial settings.

5. Helps explain allergic or skin symptoms
   Nickel is a common sensitiser.

6. Guides exposure reduction strategies
   Supports workplace or lifestyle adjustments.

7. Complements blood metal testing
   Provides a broader exposure picture.

8. Useful for repeat monitoring
   Tracks exposure trends over time.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Receive urine collection instructions

• Provide a urine sample

• Sample sent to the laboratory

• Results issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel collection (+£60, UK-wide)

• Urine collection kit provided

• Sample collected at home or hotel

• Sample returned for laboratory analysis

Your results explained

Low / normal nickel

• Nickel within reference range

• UK standard (typical): <3 µg/L (or creatinine-adjusted equivalent)

• Suggests no significant recent exposure

Moderately elevated nickel

• Above reference range

• UK standard (typical): 3–10 µg/L

• May indicate increased occupational or environmental exposure

High nickel

• Markedly elevated levels

• UK standard: >10 µg/L

• Suggests significant exposure requiring further evaluation

Results should be interpreted with exposure history and symptoms.