Aluminum Urine Test

Aluminium urine test is performed for the following reasons:

• To monitor exposure to aluminium 
• To monitor metal implants

Your doctor may order this test if he/she notices certain symptoms suggestive of aluminium toxicity. These symptoms are:

• Seizures
• Slow growth in children
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Bone pain and deformities
• Problems in speech

However, a blood test gives more accurate results for aluminium levels in the body and hence a urine test is not recommended for routine screening.

You do not need any special preparation for this test. Please let your doctor know about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines and supplements you may be taking, as some of these may contain aluminium and alter the test results. Your doctor may instruct you to discontinue some medicines before the test. 

If you have been administered with a gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast medium, wait for at least 96 hours before collecting a urine sample as they can affect the test results. These mediums are usually given to patients before an X-ray or CT-scan.

The aluminium urine test is performed on a 24-hour urine sample. Your doctor or nurse will explain the procedure to you and tell you when to start the urine collection. You will be provided with a special container to collect the urine. A 24-hour urine sample is usually collected in the following manner:

• Begin sample collection in the morning. Do not save the first urine specimen but note the time of the first urination of the day as the beginning of the 24-hour interval. 
• For the next 24 hours, collect all the urine and keep it in an icebox or the refrigerator. 
• The next day, collect the last urine specimen at the same time when you started the collection process.
• Take the urine container to the laboratory for testing. 

Urine collection is very safe and does not involve any risks. However, the test results can be affected by certain factors such as:

• Not storing the urine in a cold temperature
• Skipping collection of a urine sample in the day
• Collecting urine beyond the collection period

Normal results:

The normal levels of aluminium in the 24-hour urine test are < 10 mcg/24 h (micrograms per 24 hours). If your results are below this value, it indicates that the amount of aluminium exposure is within safe limits.

Abnormal results:

If you eliminate more than 10 mcg of aluminium in 24 hours, it is an indication of excessive exposure to aluminium. 

People who are on chelation therapy for iron or aluminium toxicity excrete more aluminium in their urine. 

Those who have aluminium-based prosthetics also have a higher concentration of aluminium in their urine.

Depending on your results, your doctor may order further tests to confirm aluminium exposure levels. He/she may also advise you on how to limit aluminium exposure from your diet and other sources. 

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.