Chromium is a trace mineral essential for glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. It is found in a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, whole grains, and nuts. A blood test can measure the level of chromium in the blood. While a chromium deficiency is rare, it can be associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. However, the significance of blood chromium levels in assessing health and disease is still under investigation, and more research is needed to fully understand its role.

THE ARSENIC, BLOOD TEST MEASURES THE AMOUNT OF ARSENIC PRESENT IN THE BLOOD. ARSENIC IS A NATURALLY OCCURRING ELEMENT THAT CAN BE TOXIC IN HIGH AMOUNTS. EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC CAN OCCUR THROUGH VARIOUS ROUTES, INCLUDING INHALATION, INGESTION, AND SKIN CONTACT. ELEVATED BLOOD ARSENIC LEVELS MAY INDICATE RECENT EXPOSURE TO ARSENIC, WHICH CAN BE HARMFUL TO HEALTH. THIS TEST IS OFTEN USED TO EVALUATE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO ARSENIC THROUGH OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION.

A BLOOD LEAD TEST MEASURES THE AMOUNT OF LEAD PRESENT IN YOUR BLOOD AT THE TIME THE SAMPLE IS TAKEN. THIS TEST IS OF IMMENSE CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE BECAUSE LEAD IS A HIGHLY TOXIC HEAVY METAL WITH NO SAFE LEVEL OF EXPOSURE, PARTICULARLY FOR CHILDREN. EVEN LOW LEVELS OF LEAD CAN CAUSE IRREVERSIBLE HEALTH PROBLEMS.

THIS ASSAY IS USEFUL IN DETECTING EXPOSURE TO CADMIUM, A TOXIC HEAVY METAL LEADING TO KIDNEY DAMAGE. BREATHING THE FUMES OF CADMIUM VAPOURS LEADS TO CHRONIC EMPHYSEMA. THE COMMONEST SOURCE OF CADMIUM EXPOSURE IS FROM SPRAY PAINTING OF ORGANIC BASED PAINTS AND ALSO FROM TOBACCO SMOKE. THE LATTER LEADS TO REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY IN BOTH MALES AND FEMALES.

MERCURY, A HIGHLY TOXIC METAL IS PRESENT IN SELECT INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS AND IN CONTAMINATED OCEAN FISH. URINARY MEASUREMENT IS THE MOST RELIABLE WAY TO ASSESS EXPOSURE TO INORGANIC MERCURY.