Doc, can you test me for “toxic metals”? Challenges of testing for toxicants in patients with environmental concerns

Laboratory testing is an important tool to assist clinicians in evaluation of patients with potential environmentally-related illness, however, it can be challenging to select or interpret the appropriate toxicological tests. Recent advances in analytical techniques and expanded consumer access to environmental laboratories led to a rise in laboratory testing for various environmental toxicants, including metals. However, most environmental...