ARSENIC LEVEL

You should get an arsenic level test if you have dark or light skin patches, thickened skin on the palms or soles, numbness or tingling, chronic fatigue, or unexplained vomiting and diarrhea. It is also recommended if you drink well or groundwater in arsenic-affected areas, work in mining, smelting, or pesticide industries, or use certain traditional medicines.

No fasting is required for an arsenic level test. Avoid seafood, including fish, prawns, shellfish, and seaweed, for 3–5 days beforehand, as it can falsely raise urine arsenic. Inform your doctor about any traditional or herbal medicines and recent contrast dye scans. Collect urine in the metal-free container provided by the lab.

No, fasting is not required for an arsenic level test. You can eat and drink normally, but avoid seafood such as fish, prawns, shellfish, and seaweed for 3–5 days beforehand, as it can falsely raise arsenic levels in urine. Follow your lab’s collection instructions.