What is the Toluene (Urine) test?

The Toluene (Urine) test measures metabolites of toluene in urine to evaluate recent exposure to this volatile organic solvent. Toluene is widely used in industrial processes, fuels, paints, adhesives, and cleaning agents.

After exposure, toluene is rapidly metabolised in the body and excreted in urine, primarily as hippuric acid. Urine testing therefore provides a useful indication of recent or ongoing exposure rather than long-term accumulation.

This test is commonly used in occupational health, environmental exposure assessment, and toxicology investigations.

Why do I need a Toluene urine test?

Toluene exposure can cause acute and chronic health effects, often with non-specific symptoms that may be overlooked. Identifying exposure helps explain symptoms and guide risk reduction.

You may need this test if you experience:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Irritation of eyes, nose, or throat
• Neurological symptoms with unclear cause
• Occupational exposure to solvents or fuels
• Suspected environmental or indoor air exposure

Testing helps confirm whether toluene exposure may be contributing to symptoms.

Benefits of the test

1. Detects solvent exposure
   Identifies recent exposure to toluene.
2. Useful for occupational health
   Commonly used in workplace exposure assessments.
3. Supports investigation of vague symptoms
   Helps explain neurological or systemic complaints.
4. Non-invasive urine testing
   No blood draw required.
5. Objective exposure measurement
   Provides measurable biomarker data.
6. Assesses recent exposure
   Reflects short-term or ongoing contact.
7. Complements other toxicology tests
   Often assessed alongside other solvents.
8. Supports environmental risk evaluation
   Helps identify indoor or workplace exposure sources.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• Provide a urine sample
• Sample sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Sample kit provided for home collection
• Urine sample collected at home or hotel
• Sample returned for laboratory analysis

Your results explained

Normal (no significant exposure)

• Toluene metabolite levels within reference range
• UK standard (typical): Hippuric acid <1.5 g/g creatinine
• Suggests no significant recent exposure

Elevated (possible exposure)

• Metabolite levels above reference range
• UK standard: ≥1.5 g/g creatinine
• Indicates recent or ongoing exposure

High (significant exposure)

• Markedly elevated metabolite levels
• UK standard: Significantly above 1.5 g/g creatinine
• Suggests substantial exposure with potential health impact

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and occupational guidelines.