Environmental exposure, diet, lifestyle and occupational factors can influence the levels of essential and toxic trace elements in the body. Measuring these elements in blood can offer valuable information about overall wellbeing, antioxidant capacity, potential heavy-metal exposure and balance between protective and harmful minerals.
This panel includes six trace elements:
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Selenium (Se)
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Arsenic (As)
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Zinc (Zn)
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Cadmium (Cd)
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Lead (Pb)
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Copper (Cu)
Below you’ll find a clear explanation of why each element matters, what results may indicate, and typical UK reference ranges.
(Ranges vary between NHS and private UK laboratories.)
1. Selenium (Se)
Why selenium is important
Selenium is an essential antioxidant mineral involved in immune function, thyroid regulation and cellular protection.
Typical UK reference range (blood):
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70–150 µg/L
What results may suggest:
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Low selenium: reduced antioxidant capacity or low dietary intake.
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High selenium: usually linked with supplementation or environmental exposure.
2. Arsenic (As)
Why arsenic is tested
Arsenic is a toxic element. Blood testing can help assess short-term exposure, often from environmental or dietary sources (e.g., contaminated water, certain seafoods).
Typical UK reference range:
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< 10 µg/L (may vary by lab)
Possible interpretations:
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Elevated arsenic: may reflect recent exposure.
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Low/normal arsenic: typical for the general UK population.
3. Zinc (Zn)
Why zinc matters
Zinc is essential for immunity, wound healing, hormone balance, and enzyme function.
Typical UK reference range:
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700–1200 µg/L
What results may indicate:
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Low zinc: reduced immune support or inadequate dietary intake.
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High zinc: supplementation or altered mineral balance.
4. Cadmium (Cd)
Why cadmium is included in the panel
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal found in cigarette smoke, batteries, certain industrial environments and some foods.
Typical UK reference range:
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< 1 µg/L
Possible interpretations:
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Elevated cadmium: may reflect environmental or occupational exposure.
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Low cadmium: typical for the general population.
5. Lead (Pb)
Why lead is tested
Lead exposure can come from old paint, soil, industrial sources or contaminated water.
Typical UK reference range:
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< 50 µg/L
What results may indicate:
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Higher lead levels: may point to recent environmental exposure.
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Low/normal lead: expected in most UK adults.
6. Copper (Cu)
Why copper matters
Copper is essential for energy production, red blood cell formation, and antioxidant enzyme activity.
It must remain balanced with zinc.
Typical UK reference range:
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700–1500 µg/L
Possible interpretations:
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High copper: inflammation, oral contraceptives, or environmental exposure.
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Low copper: inadequate intake or malabsorption.
Why this 6-Element Onco-Panel is Useful
Together, these markers provide insight into:
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essential antioxidant minerals (selenium, zinc, copper),
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balance between zinc and copper,
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potential exposure to toxic heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium),
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environmental and lifestyle influences on metabolic health.
This panel does not diagnose cancer or any medical condition, but it helps build a broader picture of overall trace-element status, which can support further discussions with a healthcare professional.