Iodine Test

Iodine Test

This test checks for abnormal levels of iodine in your urine. Low levels may indicate an iodine deficiency and are more common than high levels. Consider iodine testing if you are concerned about a potential iodine deficiency or excess in your diet. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Urine

Preparation:

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$52.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

This iodine test measures the level of iodine in your urine. Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for making thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, or T3 and thyroxine, or T4). These hormones drive many bodily functions, such as regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and turning food into energy. Our bodies don't produce iodine so we must get it from food, iodized salt, or supplements. High levels of iodine may indicate excess use of dietary supplements or overconsumption of certain foods, which can result in thyroid dysfunction.

Buy your own iodine lab test online with Quest. No doctor’s visit is required – simply purchase a urine iodine test, visit a nearby Quest location for sample collection, and get fast results.

This iodine urine test may be appropriate for those who:

Are vegan or vegetarian
Eat few to no dairy products, seafood, and eggs
Eat certain types of seafood or seaweed in excess
Are breastfeeding/nursing
Take iodine or potassium dietary supplements

Though lower levels of iodine are more common than high levels, if you are exhibiting any signs and symptoms of iodine toxicity (see below), it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

This test measures the amount of iodine in your urine. Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for making thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine, or T3 and thyroxine, or T4). These hormones drive many bodily functions, such as regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and turning food into energy. The thyroid can't produce the proper level of hormones without enough iodine.

Our bodies don't produce iodine so we must get it from food, iodized salt, or supplements. Iodine is naturally found in animal proteins, fish (cod, tuna, etc.), shellfish (eg, shrimp), dairy products, seaweed (dulse, kelp, nori), eggs, and iodized table salt. If you don’t eat enough iodine-rich foods, or if your body doesn’t store or absorb enough of it, you may have low levels. Overconsumption of iodine-rich foods, excess use of iodine dietary supplements, or taking medications containing iodine may lead to high levels.

Signs and symptoms of an iodine deficiency may include the following:

Swelling of the thyroid glands in the neck
Fatigue
Dry skin
Hair loss
Weight gain
Coldness
Slowed heart rate

Iodine toxicity can be life-threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of iodine toxicity, contact your healthcare provider or poison control center immediately. Signs and symptoms of high iodine exposure may include the following:

Burning of the mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Confusion
Tiredness
Shock (inadequate blood flow to tissues due to heavy metal poisoning)

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids before your urine sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

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A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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FAQs

What is iodine?

Iodine is a trace mineral that is essential for making thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). These hormones drive many bodily functions, such as regulating metabolism, growth, and development, and turning food into energy. The thyroid can't produce the proper level of hormones without enough iodine.

What are the potential sources of iodine in my diet?

Would taking supplements be helpful if I’m iodine deficient?

The best way to get essential vitamins and minerals is from eating food because they are in their natural form. However, if your body cannot absorb certain nutrients properly, or you are not able to get enough of them through your diet, then you may consider taking a supplement for that nutrient.

While it is unlikely to get too much of a micronutrient if you are taking a supplement, getting too much, known as vitamin toxicity, is possible. It's recommended to confirm a deficiency through testing and talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking supplements.

Is iodine considered a heavy metal?

Iodine is a trace mineral that is technically not a metal, but it exhibits metallic qualities. It is scientifically classified as a halogen, which means “salt-producing.”¹

Signs and symptoms of different mineral or heavy metal poisoning can mimic each other, so they are often tested together, such as lead and copper. If you are interested in having these other heavy metals tested, the Lead Test and the Copper Test are available.

Is this iodine test the same test that is in other panels?

No, this test measures the level of iodine in your urine. Other panels on questhealth.com measure the level of iodine in your blood. If you purchase this test along with a panel that includes an iodine blood test, you can expect your results to be different.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

Facts About Iodine. Accessed September 9,2024. https://www.livescience.com/37441-iodine.html
Southern AP, Anastasopoulou C, Jwayyed S. Iodine Toxicity. [Updated 2024 May 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560770/
Healthline. What You Should Know About Iodine Deficiency. Accessed September 9, 2024. Iodine Deficiency: Symptoms, Related Conditions, and Treatment (healthline.com)

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.