The TOXDetect test is suitable for children 3 years and above. Children must not be in nappies.
TOXDetect is an advanced diagnostic tool designed to measure the body’s burden of toxins, which are harmful substances that can accumulate from environmental exposure. By detecting 19 metabolites related to environmental toxins, it can provide valuable insights into how these toxic exposures might be contributing to chronic diseases. These metabolites reflect the body’s response to environmental toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, and other pollutants.
By identifying specific toxic burdens, TOXDetect can help develop a personalised detoxification protocol. This might include recommendations for dietary changes, supplements, or other therapies aimed at reducing toxic loads in the body. Early detection of toxic exposure can reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating chronic diseases, helping patients take proactive steps to mitigate future health issues.
Environmental toxic exposure has been strongly linked to various chronic health conditions, including but not limited to:
In functional medicine, identifying the root causes of illness is key. Exposure to environmental toxins are often overlooked but can be critical factors undermining our health. TOXDetect provides a powerful tool to uncover underlying contributors to chronic conditions. This supports a more holistic approach to treatment and prevention, particularly in patients with unexplained or complex health issues.
The personalised data generated by TOXDetect could lead to tailored health plans, emphasising detoxification strategies that align with the patient’s unique toxic burden, thereby enhancing long-term wellness and reducing chronic disease risks.
The TOXDetect test looks at biomarkers for:
These are grouped into the following categories:
Phthalates
Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in products that have exposure to plastic. They help to make plastic more flexible and durable. They are known as the “everywhere chemical” as they are found in so many products including food packaging, toys, shampoo, vinyl flooring and many more.
They have been recognised as endocrine disriupters but also be linked with other health conditions including reproductive, neurological, respiratory and some cancers.
Phthalate analytes tested:
Monoethylphthalate (MEP), Monobutyl phthalate (MBP), Mono-2ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), Monoisobutyl phthalate (MiBP)
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
2-3-4 Methylhippuric Acid – Parent Compound: Xylene
Xylene mainly comes from industrial sources but exposure can also be via cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes, paints, varnishes and other consumer products.
Phenylglyoxylic Acid (PGO) – Parent Compound: Styrene/Ethylbenzene
Styrene is used in the manufacturing of products that include plastics and rubber. These products include food containers, insulation, pipes, printing cartilages, carpet backing, automobile parts. Exposure is usually through ingestion, higher concentration when fatty foods heated in styrene containers and inhalation, of styrene vapours including tobacco smoke, building materials, photocopies and other products. Styrene has been shows to have a negative effect on the reproductive system, neurologically and linked to some cancers.
N-Acetyl Phenyl Cysteine (NAP) – Parent Compound: Benzene
Benzene, although is now reduced due to the health hazards linked with this is still used as an industrial solvent. This can be found in motor fuels, solvents and petroleum products. This is a knows toxin to the following systems respiratory, liver, cardiovascular, immune, nervous and endocrine
N-Acetyl (2-Cyanoethyl) Cysteine (NACE) – Parent Compound: Acrylonitrile
Acrylonitrile is found in acrylic fibre clothing or carpeting, acrylonitrile based plastics, that leach into our food, and cigarette smoke. It is considered a human carcinogen and has been associated with lung cancer.
N-Acetyl (Propyl) Cysteine (NAPR) – Parent Compound: 1-bromopropane
1-bromopropane is found as a solvent in adhesives, dry cleaning, degreasing and metal cleaning industries. This can be linked with headache, mucosal irritation, decreased sensation, paresthesia, and stumbling symptoms. It has been linked with DNA damage and has been shown to be toxic to the brain, reproductive and respiratory system.
N-Acetyl (3,4-Dihydroxybutyl) Cysteine (NADB) – Parent Compound: 1,3 butadiene
1,3 butadiene is a petrochemical used to produce synthetic rubber used for car and truck tires. It is an environmental toxin found in car exhaust, combustion of fuels for warmth or energy production and cigarette smoke. It is a human carcinogen and linked with some cancers and cardiovascular disease.
2-Hydroxyethyl Mercapturic Acid (HEMA) – Ethylene Oxide, Vinyl Chloride
Ethylene Oxide is used Primarily in the production of chemicals like plastics, textiles, and antifreeze (ethylene glycol). It is also used as a sterilising agent for medical equipment. Inhalation is the most common, especially in occupational settings where workers might be exposed. Tobacco smoke is also a source of exposure. This is a known human carcinogen linked with leukaemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Some evidence linked to miscarriage.
Vinyl Chloride is used in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used in pipes, packaging, construction materials, and medical products. Exposure is mainly through inhalation in industrial settings or cigarette smoke. Short-term (acute) exposure: Can cause headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, and even loss of consciousness. Long-term exposure: Linked to liver damage, including hepatocellular changes and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Pesticide analytes tested:
3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid (3-PBA)
Pyrethroids are a class of synthetic insecticides commonly used in agriculture, household insect control, and veterinary medicine. Pyrethroids act by interfering with the nervous system of insects, causing hyperexcitation, paralysis, and ultimately death. They achieve this by prolonging the opening of sodium channels in the neurons, which disrupts the normal transmission of nerve impulses. The most common health impacts are endocrine disruption and neurobehavioral and neurodevelopmental, thus being concerning vulnerable populations like children. It has all been linked with cardiovascular disease mortality.
Diethylphosphate (DEP)
Organophosphate pesticides are a group of chemicals commonly used in agriculture to control a wide range of pests, as well as in residential settings to manage insects and rodents. Organophosphates work by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which is crucial for the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that transmits signals between nerve cells. Exposure has been linked with neurological defects, neurodegenerative diseases, peripheral nerve effects, and neurodevelopmental issues.
2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D)
One of the most widely used herbicides in the world used in agriculture and landscaping. Linked with endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, developmental delays and increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Other toxins tested:
Diphenyl Phosphate (DPP)
Found in flame retardants in furniture, textiles and electronics but also personal care products. This has been linked with altering endocrine, thyroid and reproductive systems.
Bisphenol S (BPS)
BPS is typically used a BPA alternative and found in lots of products marked “BPA free”. These are synthetic products used in plastics and resins and have been found to be equally, if not, more harmful that BPA.
N-Acetyl (Carbomethyl) Cysteine (NAE)
Acrylamide is formed when starchy food is cooked at high temperatures and is also found in tobacco products and some cosmetic products. Linked with a wide range of negative health outcomes including neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Perchlorate (PERC)
Found in chemicals in fireworks, explosives and road flares. These are considered widespread as they contaminate the water supply and is found in milk due to perchlorate being found in animal fee. The main target of dysfunction is the thyroid.
TOXDetect is a diagnostic tool that measures 19 metabolites from various environmental toxins that have been linked to chronic diseases. By analysing these metabolites, it helps to assess an individual’s toxic burden—the accumulation of harmful substances in the body. These toxins may come from common sources like air pollution, pesticides, plastics, and chemicals used in household products, which are increasingly recognised as contributors to chronic conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. With this knowledge personalised detoxification can be addressed.
The TOXDetect Test measures 19 metabolites related to environmental toxicants:
A urine sample is required for the TOXDetect Test.
The TOXDetect test collects your first urine specimen in the morning before eating or drinking. This is the most concentrated collection.
Women should not collect urine during their period.
Full instructions will be sent with the test kit.
The TOXDetect test is suitable for children 3 years and above. Children must not be in nappies.
Please return your TOXDetect test using the included prepaid label and shipping instructions. If the next day is not a working day in the UK, please keep your sample in the freezer to ensure that it arrives at the lab Monday-Thursday.
The results for the TOXDetect test will take 23 working days.
Your TOXDetect test results will be emailed to you.
All sample reports are for representational and educational purposes only. Biomarkers, references ranges, results, and all other data may differ from actual reports. All data included in no way represents an actual patient. Any comparisons of results to actual patients is completely incidental.
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Please do not return samples to the laboratories that may arrive after Wednesday 27th March and up to and including Monday 2nd April.
The laboratories are closed from the 28th March – 2nd April for the Easter Holiday.