Aluminium (Blood or Urine) Test

Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng.
Last updated: Mar 19, 2025.

An aluminium test measures the amount of aluminium in the body, typically through a blood or urine sample. Aluminium is widely used in industrial and pharmaceutical applications and is naturally present in food, water, air, and medications, entering the body through ingestion, inhalation, and, to a lesser extent, skin absorption.

While the body can process small amounts, excessive accumulation may lead to toxicity, increasing the risk of neurological impairment, bone disease, and anaemia.

An aluminium test might be recommended if you:

• Have kidney disease or undergo dialysis – Impaired kidney function reduces the body's ability to eliminate aluminium, leading to its accumulation.
• Regularly use aluminium-based medications – Long-term use of aluminium-containing antacids or other medications may lead to elevated aluminium levels.
• Work in industries with high aluminium exposure – Such as welding, mining, or aluminium manufacturing, where frequent contact with aluminium increases the risk of accumulation.
• Suspect excessive aluminium exposure – Due to environmental factors, occupational hazards, or unexplained symptoms associated with aluminium toxicity.

If you are unsure whether you need testing, consult a doctor for further evaluation.

Excess aluminium in the body can contribute to various health issues, especially in individuals with kidney disease or prolonged exposure. Symptoms may include:

• Neurological Effects – Aluminium, widely recognised as a neurotoxin, can affect brain function and nerve signaling, leading to memory loss, cognitive impairment, tremors, and coordination difficulties. Prolonged exposure has been linked to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
• Bone Disorders – Aluminium accumulation can interfere with calcium deposition and weaken bone structure, leading to osteomalacia (soft bones), bone pain, joint discomfort, and increased fracture risk.
• Anaemia – Aluminium exposure can disrupt iron metabolism, lowering red blood cell production and haemoglobin levels, leading to fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.

These symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions and may not necessarily indicate aluminium toxicity. If you experience such symptoms for prolonged periods, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment if necessary.

An aluminium test is typically conducted using one of the following methods, depending on the purpose of the test:

1. Blood Test (Serum Aluminium Test)

This test measures aluminium concentration in the bloodstream. Aluminium enters the body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption and binds to transferrin, a protein that transports metals. Since aluminium is not rapidly cleared, this test is used to assess long-term accumulation, especially in individuals with kidney disease or prolonged exposure.

2. Urine Test (Urinary Aluminium Test)

This test measures the amount of aluminium excreted in urine, reflecting recent exposure. The kidneys filter aluminium from the blood before eliminating it through urine, making this test useful for assessing short-term (e.g., 24-hour) or ongoing exposure.

At ATA Medical, we offer aluminium testing and kidney function tests at the following prices:

We also offer a range of blood and urine tests, as well as health screening packages, for a more comprehensive assessment of your health. Contact us for more details.

For corporates, we provide corporate health screenings with certified Designated Workplace Doctors (DWDs).

A blood or urine test at our clinic typically takes 30 to 60 minutes during off-peak periods. Results are usually available within 3 to 5 days, and your doctor will call or email you to discuss the findings. The results will be interpreted based on your clinical symptoms, medical history, and potential exposure sources.

Most aluminium tests do not require special preparation. However, depending on the doctor’s instructions:

• You may need to avoid aluminium-containing medications, such as antacids, before the test. Inform your doctor about any supplements or occupational exposure to aluminium.
• A fasting period may be recommended for more precise results.