Managing patients exposed to arsenic requires knowing what form or species of arsenic is involved. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Paul Jannetto, Ph.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' SPAS test provides that additional information to better guide patient care.

Arsenic exists in species that are toxic, partially toxic, or nontoxic. Standard laboratory tests measure the total amount of arsenic in a patient's sample. "This can be a little misleading. Additional arsenic speciation testing is required to accurately identify if a patient has been exposed to a toxic or nontoxic form," Dr. Jannetto says.

Toxic arsenic can affect many parts of the body — including the skin, lungs, heart, and brain — and increases cancer risk. Arsenic speciation guides a patient's removal from the source of exposure, which might be drinking water or certain foods or industrial products.

For routine screening of arsenic exposure, urine testing is recommended. Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers arsenic testing in hair and nails, which can better indicate past exposure.

"If arsenic exposure is identified, supportive care and active surveillance for various types of cancer are recommended," Dr. Jannetto says.

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' SPAS test.

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Key testing

SPAS | Arsenic Speciation, Random, Urine

Additional testing

ASHA | Arsenic, Hair

ASNA | Arsenic, Nails

ASU24 | Arsenic with Reflex, 24 Hour, Urine

ASUCR | Arsenic/Creatinine, Ratio, with Reflex, Random, Urine

HMU24 | Heavy Metals Screen, with Reflex, 24 Hour, Urine

HMUCR | Heavy Metal/Creatinine Ratio, with Reflex, Random, Urine

SPASU | Arsenic Speciation, 24 Hour, Urine