InstalabTotal Tox Burden
Urine Test
See the everyday chemicals, molds, and metals your body has taken in, mapped from a single urine sample.
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Tested by Vibrant America
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Should you take a Total Tox Burden test?
This test is most useful if any of these apply to you.
Living With Water Damage or Mold
You've had leaks, damp, or musty air at home or work and want to see which mold byproducts show up in your body.
Eating Mostly Packaged Foods
You rely on canned, wrapped, or processed foods and want to gauge exposure to plastics, preservatives, and crop chemicals.
Working Around Chemicals
You paint, weld, farm, or work with solvents and want to check the everyday chemical and metal exposures your job brings.
Curious About Your Exposures
You want a clearer picture of your recent chemical, mold, and metal exposures as background context, not a diagnosis for symptoms.
What's included
88 biomarkers included
- Kidney1
- CreatinineA muscle byproduct measured to correct every other result for how dilute or concentrated the urine is.Without it, a very watery or very concentrated sample would make all other readings misleading.
- Toxins87
- 4-NonylphenolTracks a detergent breakdown product found in cleaners and some plastics that can act on estrogen pathways.Elevated levels suggest exposure through industrial detergents, cleaning products, or contaminated food.
- Bisphenol AMeasures a chemical used to harden plastics and line cans (bisphenol A), absorbed mostly through food and drink packaging.A higher level points to recent contact with plastic containers, canned goods, or receipts.
- TriclosanMeasures an antibacterial agent added to some soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics.A raised level flags recent use of antibacterial personal care products.
- 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic AcidTracks a common lawn and agricultural herbicide.Elevated levels suggest recent contact with treated lawns, gardens, or crops.
- AtrazineMeasures a widely used corn herbicide that can reach drinking water.A raised level points to exposure through contaminated water or agricultural areas.
- Atrazine MercapturateThe detoxified form of atrazine, showing the body has processed and cleared it.Confirms genuine atrazine uptake rather than surface contamination of the sample.
- GlyphosateMeasures the active ingredient in the world's most widely used weedkiller, taken in mostly through food.A higher level reflects recent dietary exposure to glyphosate-treated crops.
- TiglylglycineA urinary byproduct of amino-acid breakdown that can rise when cellular energy metabolism is stressed.An elevated level is nonspecific but may prompt a look at B-vitamin status and mitochondrial function.
- Diphenyl PhosphateBreakdown product of a flame retardant and plasticizer found in electronics and furnishings.Elevated levels flag exposure to flame-retardant-treated electronics, nail polish, or furniture.
- N-Acetyl (Carbomethyl) CysteineA detoxification product tied to exposure to specific reactive solvents.Its presence contributes to the panel's map of recent solvent contact.
- PerchlorateMeasures a chemical from rocket fuel, fireworks, and some fertilizers that can block iodine uptake by the thyroid.A higher level matters most for thyroid function and warrants thyroid testing.
- ButylparabenTracks the most hormone-active paraben preservative in this group.A raised level flags cosmetic exposure to the paraben with the strongest estrogen-mimicking activity.
- EthylparabenMeasures a preservative used in cosmetics and processed foods.Elevated ethylparaben suggests exposure from personal care items or preserved foods.
- MethylparabenMeasures the most common preservative used in cosmetics, lotions, and some foods.Elevated methylparaben usually reflects daily use of cosmetics and skincare products.
- PropylparabenTracks a preservative often paired with methylparaben in personal care products.A high result points to cosmetic and lotion use and often rises with methylparaben.
- 2,2-bis(4-Chlorophenyl) acetic acid (DDA)A breakdown product of the banned pesticide DDT, still present in the environment and food chain.A detectable level suggests exposure to lingering DDT residues in food or soil.
- 3-Phenoxybenzoic AcidA shared breakdown product of pyrethroid insecticides used in homes and farming.Elevated levels flag recent exposure to household bug sprays or treated produce.
- DiethylphosphateA general marker of the diethyl class of organophosphate insecticides.A high level points to exposure to diethyl-type organophosphate pesticides.
- Diethyldithiophosphate (DEDTP)The rarest of the six organophosphate breakdown products, tied to select insecticides.Its presence narrows the likely pesticide to a specific diethyl-dithio compound.
- Diethylthiophosphate (DETP)A diethyl-class organophosphate metabolite that adds specificity to the pesticide picture.Elevated DETP corroborates exposure to diethyl organophosphate insecticides.
- Dimethyl phosphate (DMP)One of six general breakdown products shared by many organophosphate insecticides.Elevated DMP signals recent organophosphate pesticide exposure, usually through diet.
- Dimethyldithiophosphate (DMDTP)A less common organophosphate metabolite tied to specific insecticides.A detectable level suggests exposure to particular dimethyl organophosphate compounds.
- Dimethylthiophosphate (DMTP)A sulfur-containing organophosphate breakdown product common after dietary pesticide intake.Raised DMTP is often the most abundant marker of recent produce-related pesticide exposure.
- Mono-(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP)A second DEHP breakdown product from the same flexible-plastic plasticizer.Read with the other DEHP markers, it strengthens confidence in a plastics source.
- Mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) PhthalateA third DEHP metabolite showing how the body processes this plasticizer.Rising alongside the other DEHP markers, it points to recent, ongoing plastic exposure.
- Mono-2-ethylhexyl PhthalateTracks a breakdown product of DEHP, a plasticizer in flexible vinyl and food packaging.Elevated levels suggest exposure to soft plastics, vinyl, or packaged food.
- MonoethylphthalateMeasures the breakdown product of a plasticizer that holds fragrance in perfumes and scented products.A high level points to fragranced personal care products as a major exposure source.
- 2-Hydroxyethyl Mercapturic AcidA marker of ethylene oxide, a sterilizing gas and combustion byproduct.Elevated levels flag ethylene oxide exposure, common in smokers and some industrial settings.
- 2-Hydroxyisobutyric AcidA byproduct linked to the fuel additive MTBE and to general metabolism.Elevated levels may reflect gasoline-additive exposure, though the marker is not fully specific.
- 2-Methylhippuric AcidOne of three markers of xylene, a solvent in paints, glues, and gasoline.A raised level flags xylene exposure from paints, solvents, or fuel.
- 3-Methylhippuric AcidA second xylene marker that confirms solvent exposure.Corroborates xylene exposure and, with the other methylhippuric acids, points to solvent contact.
- 4-Methylhippuric AcidThe third xylene marker completing the solvent picture.Together the three methylhippuric acids strengthen confidence in recent xylene exposure.
- N-Acetyl (2-Cyanoethyl) CysteineA specific marker of acrylonitrile, a plastics-industry chemical also present in cigarette smoke.A high level points strongly to smoking or industrial acrylonitrile exposure.
- N-Acetyl (2-Hydroxypropyl) Cysteine (NAHP)A marker of propylene oxide and related reactive chemicals.Elevated levels point to industrial or combustion exposure to these reactive compounds.
- N-Acetyl (3,4-Dihydroxybutyl) CysteineA marker of 1,3-butadiene, a rubber- and combustion-related chemical.A raised level suggests butadiene exposure from traffic, smoke, or industry.
- N-Acetyl (Propyl) CysteineA mercapturic acid reflecting exposure to certain reactive solvents.A detectable level adds to the overall solvent-exposure picture.
- N-Acetyl Phenyl CysteineThe most specific urine marker of benzene, a cancer-causing solvent in fuel, exhaust, and cigarette smoke.Elevated levels point to benzene exposure, most often from smoking or traffic pollution.
- Phenylglyoxylic AcidA shared breakdown product of the solvents styrene and ethylbenzene, used in plastics and fuel.Elevated levels suggest exposure to styrene or ethylbenzene from plastics or fuel.
- Aflatoxin B1Measures the most toxic mold toxin, made by Aspergillus molds on grains and nuts.Any detectable aflatoxin B1 signals dietary exposure to a known liver carcinogen and deserves attention.
- Aflatoxin B2A related aflatoxin that accompanies B1 in contaminated food.Its presence corroborates aflatoxin exposure from grains, nuts, or spices.
- Aflatoxin G1Another aflatoxin variant from Aspergillus molds on stored crops.Detection points to the same contaminated-food source as the other aflatoxins.
- Aflatoxin G2The least potent aflatoxin, still a marker of moldy-food exposure.Its presence rounds out confirmation of dietary aflatoxin intake.
- Aflatoxin M1Measures the form aflatoxin takes after the body processes it, also found in dairy.Detectable M1 confirms your body absorbed aflatoxin, often through grains or dairy.
- Chaetoglobosin AA toxin from Chaetomium molds, which grow on water-damaged building materials.Detection leans toward water-damaged-building exposure rather than diet, though the evidence is preliminary.
- CitrininA kidney-toxic mold toxin found in stored grains and fermented products.A raised level suggests dietary exposure and often appears alongside ochratoxin A.
- DihydrocitrinoneThe processed form of citrinin, showing the body absorbed it.Its presence confirms genuine citrinin uptake rather than surface contamination.
- Enniatin BA common grain mold toxin increasingly detected in cereal products.Elevated levels point to exposure through wheat and other cereal grains.
- Fumonisins B1The main fumonisin toxin, made by Fusarium molds on corn.A high level flags corn-based dietary exposure to this liver- and kidney-active toxin.
- Fumonisins B2A companion fumonisin that accompanies B1 on contaminated corn.Its presence corroborates corn-related fumonisin exposure.
- Fumonisins B3A third fumonisin variant confirming the same corn source.Rounds out confirmation of fumonisin intake from corn products.
- GliotoxinAn immune-suppressing toxin from Aspergillus, sometimes tied to indoor mold.An exploratory marker whose link to indoor-mold illness is not yet validated in humans.
- Mycophenolic AcidA Penicillium mold byproduct that is also the active form of the transplant drug mycophenolate (CellCept).Elevated levels can reflect dietary mold exposure, but in anyone taking mycophenolate the medication is the source.
- Ochratoxin AA kidney-toxic mold toxin common in stored grains, coffee, wine, and dried fruit.Elevated ochratoxin A points to dietary intake and is most relevant to kidney health.
- PatulinA mold toxin found on rotting apples and other spoiled fruit.A raised level points to exposure through spoiled fruit or unfiltered juices.
- SterigmatocystinA precursor to aflatoxin, produced by molds on damp grains and building materials.Its presence can indicate either food or water-damaged-building mold exposure.
- ZearalenoneAn estrogen-mimicking mold toxin found on corn and grains.A high level flags dietary exposure to a toxin that can act on hormone pathways.
- DeoxynivalenolThe best-validated urinary mold-toxin marker, tracking recent grain-related intake (also called vomitoxin).Elevated levels reliably reflect recent intake of contaminated wheat, corn, or oats.
- DiacetoxyscirpenolA potent trichothecene toxin from Fusarium molds on grains.Detection suggests exposure to a highly cytotoxic grain mold toxin.
- NivalenolA trichothecene mold toxin related to deoxynivalenol, found on grains.Its presence adds to the grain-related trichothecene exposure picture.
- Roridin AA macrocyclic trichothecene from Stachybotrys and related water-damage molds.An exploratory marker of possible indoor-mold exposure, not a validated diagnostic.
- Roridin EAnother macrocyclic trichothecene tied to water-damaged buildings.Adds to the indoor-mold picture but remains research-grade, not diagnostic.
- Roridin L2A related macrocyclic trichothecene from the same mold family.Its presence supports possible water-damage exposure, interpreted cautiously.
- Satratoxin GA trichothecene made by Stachybotrys, the notorious black mold of water damage.An exploratory indoor-mold marker; human evidence linking it to illness remains limited.
- Satratoxin HA second black-mold trichothecene tracking the same water-damage source.Points toward indoor mold like satratoxin G but lacks validated clinical thresholds.
- T-2 ToxinOne of the most toxic trichothecenes, from Fusarium molds on stored grain.A raised level flags exposure to a potent toxin affecting the gut and immune system.
- Verrucarin AA macrocyclic trichothecene from Stachybotrys, marking water-damage mold.An exploratory indoor-mold marker without established human health thresholds.
- Verrucarin JA companion verrucarin trichothecene tracking the same mold source.Corroborates possible black-mold exposure within the panel's exploratory mold set.
- AluminumMeasures a lightweight metal from cookware, antacids, and antiperspirants.A high level points to heavy use of aluminum-containing products or medications.
- AntimonyTracks a metal used in flame retardants and PET plastic bottles.Elevated antimony suggests exposure through plastics or industrial sources.
- ArsenicMeasures a metal from water, rice, and seafood whose forms differ greatly in toxicity.A high total needs speciation to separate harmful inorganic arsenic from the harmless seafood form.
- BariumMeasures a metal from industrial dust, some ceramics, and contaminated water.A raised level points to industrial or water-related exposure.
- BerylliumTracks a lightweight metal used in aerospace, electronics, and alloys.Detection suggests occupational exposure, which can affect the lungs.
- BismuthMeasures a metal found in some stomach medications and cosmetics.An elevated level usually reflects use of bismuth-containing medicines.
- CadmiumTracks a kidney-damaging metal from cigarettes, batteries, and some foods.Elevated cadmium is a strong signal of smoking or long-term dietary exposure and possible kidney strain.
- CesiumTracks a metal from industrial and, rarely, radiologic sources.A raised level points to industrial or environmental exposure.
- GadoliniumMeasures a metal used as contrast dye during MRI scans.Elevated gadolinium usually reflects a recent MRI performed with contrast.
- LeadMeasures a metal that harms the brain, nerves, and blood; urine reflects recent contact rather than stored burden.An elevated result should be confirmed with a blood lead test, the standard way to gauge true lead burden.
- MercuryTracks a metal from certain fish and dental or industrial sources that affects the brain and kidneys.A high level warrants reviewing seafood intake and confirmatory testing before drawing conclusions.
- NickelTracks a common metal from jewelry, coins, and industrial work that can trigger allergy.A high level suggests skin or occupational exposure and possible allergic sensitivity.
- PalladiumMeasures a precious metal from dental alloys, jewelry, and catalytic converters.Elevated palladium points to dental work or industrial exposure.
- PlatinumTracks a metal from catalytic converters, jewelry, and some chemotherapy drugs.A raised level suggests industrial, jewelry, or medical exposure.
- TelluriumMeasures a rare metal from electronics and metal-refining industries.Detection usually indicates occupational or industrial exposure.
- ThalliumTracks a highly toxic metal once used in rodent poisons and now mostly industrial.An elevated result is meaningful and warrants investigating an industrial or contamination source.
- ThoriumMeasures a naturally radioactive metal from certain minerals and industries.A raised level points to environmental or occupational exposure to radioactive material.
- TinTracks a metal from canned-food linings, solder, and some plastics.Elevated tin suggests exposure through canned foods or industrial sources.
- TungstenMeasures a hard metal used in tools, alloys, and electronics.A high level points to occupational or environmental tungsten exposure.
- UraniumMeasures a naturally radioactive metal that can contaminate private well water.An elevated level most often points to drinking water from a contaminated well.
Overview
About Total Tox Burden
Your body carries traces of the world it moves through: the plastic that wrapped your lunch, the weedkiller on a nearby field, the mold in an old building, the metals in your water. Most of these leave within days, but while they are present they can be measured.
This panel reads dozens of those substances from one urine sample. It is not a diagnosis. It is a picture of what you have recently taken in, and which sources appear to dominate your personal exposure.
What This Panel Reveals
The value here is breadth. Any single chemical test tells you about one exposure. Measuring many at once shows the pattern: which classes of chemicals you carry together, and which source they most likely share. Large studies that test people this way keep finding the same thing, that real-world exposure arrives as a mixture, not a lone compound.
When one research program measured pregnant women for 89 chemical markers, 73 of them showed up in at least one person and 36 in more than half. In a European study of nearly 11,000 people, health-based limits were exceeded most often for arsenic in teenagers (40%) and a common pyrethroid-insecticide marker in children (36%). Broad panels like this one are built to capture that spread across several chemical families.
- Plastics and personal care: markers of bisphenol A (a chemical used to harden plastic), phthalate plasticizers, paraben preservatives, and antibacterial agents.
- Pesticides and herbicides: glyphosate, atrazine, and lawn weedkillers, plus shared breakdown products of organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides.
- Solvents and combustion: detoxification byproducts that trace volatile organic compounds (chemicals that evaporate easily) such as benzene, xylene, and styrene.
- Mold byproducts: mold toxins from food such as aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol, plus toxins tied to water-damaged buildings.
- Metals: lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and a range of industrial and environmental metals.
This kind of testing lives mostly in research and functional-medicine settings. Population programs use these same markers to track exposure, but there is no agreed clinical framework that turns one person's urine value into a diagnosis. Read the numbers as leads to investigate, not verdicts.
How to Read Your Results Together
The panel is designed to be read by pattern, not by any single line. Creatinine (a muscle byproduct) is measured alongside everything else so results can be corrected for how dilute or concentrated your urine was. A few patterns are worth knowing.
| Pattern | What It Suggests |
|---|---|
| Parabens and the fragrance-plasticizer marker high together | Personal care and scented products are a leading source; look at cosmetics, lotions, and fragrances. |
| The organophosphate markers and the pyrethroid marker elevated | Dietary or household insecticide exposure; consider produce washing and home pest treatments. |
| Benzene, xylene, and acrylonitrile markers up together | A solvent or combustion source such as smoking, traffic, or an occupational setting. |
| Aflatoxin or deoxynivalenol present | Recent food-borne mold exposure; grains, nuts, corn, and coffee are common sources. |
Two rules make these patterns trustworthy. Several markers pointing to one source are far more convincing than a single lone elevation. And a parent chemical plus its cleared-out form, such as atrazine alongside atrazine mercapturate, confirms your body truly absorbed and processed it rather than the sample being contaminated.
When Results Can Be Misleading
Almost everything here reflects only recent exposure, from hours to a few days depending on how you took it in, not a stable body burden. A single spot sample can misclassify short-lived chemicals. In one review, bisphenol A scored just 0.20 out of 1 for repeatability across samples, while parabens reached about 0.52 and a common pesticide marker only 0.08. One high or low reading proves little on its own.
That is what creatinine corrects for. A watery sample dilutes every marker; a concentrated one inflates them. Adjusting for creatinine removes some of that noise, but not the real day-to-day swings from what you ate, drank, or handled.
Metals follow their own rules. Urine reflects recent contact for many of them but is a poor guide for lead, where a blood test is the standard, and total arsenic mixes harmless seafood forms with the toxic kind unless the lab separates them.
What to Do with Your Results
Start with what is both elevated and consequential. A clearly high lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, or thallium is worth confirming with blood testing and a clinician's review, because these metals carry real health stakes. Any detectable aflatoxin points at a dietary source worth finding and removing.
For the chemical and mold markers, the most useful move is usually behavioral: identify the likely source from the pattern, change it, and retest. Because these compounds clear quickly, a repeat sample in one to three months shows whether the change worked. Serial testing, not any single result, is where this panel earns its place.
Pair worrisome results with tests of the organs that clear these substances. Kidney and liver panels show whether exposure is leaving a mark, thyroid testing matters if perchlorate is high, and blood metal levels settle questions urine cannot.