Red Blood Cell Mineral Test

The red blood cell mineral test is a blood test that will measure the levels of trace elements and essential minerals. In addition, it is a generalized screen for elements that are known to be toxic, including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and antimony. In our society, it is not infrequent that detectable levels of lead and mercury are noted on a red blood cell mineral test. If such levels are noted on your test, it is generally an indicator that follow-up testing needs to be done to clarify the clinical significance of those levels.

The red blood cell mineral test also measures the levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, boron, and vanadium. The importance of using a red blood cell membrane test is that essential minerals, such as those noted above, perform their physiologic action inside the cell and on the surface of the cell membrane. General laboratory testing measures only the amount of mineral present in the plasma, or serum. This type of testing is thought to be generally inaccurate, if not inadequate. The red blood cell mineral testing is considered to be much more accurate.

In addition, it represents an assessment of cumulative nutritional adequacy. The lifespan of a red blood cell is approximately three months. In general, then, this test measures the adequacy of the individual\'s nutrition over the last three months. Information gleaned from this test can be helpful in understanding pathologies and medical problems and what contribution nutritional adequacy specifically related to mineral status is making in a given situation.

Remember, if you plan to have blood drawn at St. Vincent Hospital on 86th Street, please arrive at their testing facility before 2:00 p.m. It usually takes about one week to receive the results of the laboratory test, after the blood is drawn. Your results will be reviewed at your follow-up visit.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Dale Guyer, M.D.