Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test
Short Name: Arsenic 24hr Urine
Also known as: Urine Arsenic Test, 24-Hour Urine Arsenic Test, Arsenic Urine 24 Hour Collection, Total Arsenic Urine Test, Arsenic Level Urine Test
Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,000. Uses ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) on Urine (24-hour collection) samples. Results in Sample accepted daily by 6 PM; report available next day. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test is performed to measure the total amount of arsenic excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. This test is used to detect recent or ongoing arsenic exposure, assess the severity of exposure, and monitor treatment effectiveness during chelation therapy. It is particularly useful for individuals with suspected occupational or environmental arsenic exposure and those presenting with symptoms consistent with arsenic toxicity.
- Test Code
- 182
- Price
- ₹4,000
- Sample Type
- Urine (24-hour collection)
- Result Time
- Sample accepted daily by 6 PM; report available next day
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry)
Sample Collection
Avoid eating seafood and herbal supplements for 3 days prior to sample collection. If Gadolinium or Iodine containing contrast media has been administered, wait at least 96 hours before specimen collection. Use powderless gloves during specimen collection.
Method: 24-hour urine collection in metal-free container
Laboratory Analysis
Begin collecting urine at the designated start time after discarding the first morning urine. Collect ALL urine passed during the following 24-hour period in the provided acid-washed, metal-free container. Keep the container refrigerated during collection. Record the exact start and end times of the collection period.
Report Delivery
After completing the 24-hour collection, mix the urine thoroughly by gently inverting the container. Measure and record the total 24-hour urine volume. Transfer a 10 mL aliquot to the vial provided in the kit. Record the total volume on both the vial label and the test request form. Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory.
Timeline: Sample accepted daily by 6 PM; report available next day
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test is performed to measure the total amount of arsenic excreted in urine over a 24-hour period. This test is used to detect recent or ongoing arsenic exposure, assess the severity of exposure, and monitor treatment effectiveness during chelation therapy. It is particularly useful for individuals with suspected occupational or environmental arsenic exposure and those presenting with symptoms consistent with arsenic toxicity.
How to Prepare
- Obtain the metal-free (acid washed) collection kit from the laboratory or through home collection service
- On Day 1, discard the first morning urine and note the exact time as the start of the 24-hour collection period
- Collect all urine passed over the next 24 hours in the provided metal-free container
- Keep the collection container refrigerated throughout the entire collection period
- On Day 2, collect the final urine sample at the same time as the start time on Day 1
- Measure and record the total urine volume collected over the full 24 hours
- Mix the urine thoroughly by gently inverting the container several times
- Transfer a 10 mL aliquot to the vial provided in the kit
- Record the total 24-hour volume on the vial label and test request form
- Use powderless gloves during all specimen handling steps
- Ship the sample refrigerated or frozen to the laboratory for analysis
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Arsenic exposure is often underdiagnosed because its symptoms can mimic many other common conditions. If a patient presents with unexplained skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, or chronic gastrointestinal complaints and has a history of living in areas with contaminated groundwater or occupational exposure to mining or smelting environments, I recommend the Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test. Early detection is crucial for initiating chelation therapy and preventing irreversible organ damage including cancers. Patients must ensure proper specimen collection using the metal-free kit provided and avoid seafood for at least 72 hours before collection to prevent false elevation of results."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Specimen collected in a non-metal-free (non-acid-washed) container
- Patient consumed seafood or herbal supplements within 3 days of collection
- Patient received Gadolinium or Iodine contrast media within 96 hours of collection
- Powder gloves used during specimen collection
- Specimen not refrigerated or frozen within the specified stability period
- Incomplete 24-hour collection or total volume not recorded on vial and request form
- Sample leaked, unlabeled, or improperly sealed during transport
Understanding Your Results
Arsenic levels within the normal reference range. No evidence of significant recent arsenic exposure. Continue standard environmental precautions if residing in areas with known arsenic contamination.
Status: Normal
Range: < 50 µg/24h
Mildly elevated arsenic levels may indicate low-level chronic exposure. Clinical correlation is recommended. Rule out dietary sources such as recent seafood consumption. Repeat testing after dietary modification and possible source investigation may be warranted.
Status: Borderline / Mildly Elevated
Range: 50–100 µg/24h
Significantly elevated arsenic levels suggest substantial arsenic exposure. Urgent clinical evaluation is recommended. Further investigation of the exposure source, additional testing (blood and hair arsenic levels), and consideration of chelation therapy may be necessary to prevent organ damage.
Status: Significantly Elevated
Range: > 100 µg/24h
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience unexplained skin lesions or discoloration, chronic abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, unexplained fatigue, breathing difficulties, or if you live or work in an environment with potential arsenic exposure. Additionally, consult your doctor if your test results show arsenic levels above the normal reference range.
Limitations
- ⚠This test measures total arsenic and cannot distinguish between organic (less toxic, from seafood) and inorganic (more toxic, from environmental exposure) forms unless fractionation is specifically ordered
- ⚠A single 24-hour urine collection reflects recent exposure and may not indicate chronic cumulative arsenic burden
- ⚠Results may be affected by incomplete urine collection over the 24-hour period
- ⚠Hair or blood tests may be needed in addition to urine testing for a comprehensive exposure assessment
Risks & Considerations
- ●No significant medical risks associated with urine collection
- ●Minimal risk of skin irritation from collection container (very rare)
- ●Risk of inaccurate results if collection instructions are not followed precisely
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent consumption of seafood (contains organic arsenic compounds that may elevate total arsenic levels)
- ●Use of herbal supplements within 3 days of sample collection
- ●Administration of Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media within 96 hours prior to collection
- ●Use of powder gloves or talcum powder during specimen collection (may introduce trace metal contamination)
- ●Collection in non-metal-free containers may cause contamination and yield falsely elevated results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test | Arsenic Blood Test | Arsenic Hair Test | Arsenic Random Urine Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test?
Why do I need an Arsenic 24 Hour Urine Test?
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What foods and supplements should I avoid before the test?
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