Description
The Essential Elements Urine test provides an assessment of essential element status/wasting.
Methodology
ICP-MS
Variability in urine volume can drastically affect the concentration of elements. To compensate for urine dilution variation, elements are expressed per unit creatinine for timed collections. For 24-hour collections, elements are reported as both units per 24 hours and units per creatinine.
When should I use
Analysis of essential elements in urine can be used to evaluate nutritional status and the effectiveness of mineral supplementation during metal detoxification therapy.
Metal detoxification protocols can significantly increase the excretion of nutrient elements, in particular of copper, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
Chromium status can be best assessed via 24-hour chromium excretion, according to chromium metabolism authorities.
Other Details
A FMV will suffice providing the pt sleeps at least 6 hours per night [storing up 6+ hours of urine in the bladder]. In this case, the FMV will be a concentrated sample. A FMV will yield the same results as a 6hr, or 24hr collection.
Generally, a FMV is preferred for ease of collection.
