Doctor's Data Metal Testing on Quackwatch. Good or bad lab???

My LLMD wants me to do a heavy metal test through Doctor's Data (even though I did a urine AND blood one through Quest and they didn't show anything).

I've been reading about a LOT of lawsuits and horrible things about the lab. Here are some links to what I'm talking about.

/www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/doctors_data.html

www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Tests/urine_toxic.html

/sciencebasedmedicine.org/doctors-data-sues-quackwatch/

www.ratbags.com/rsoles/comment/drsdata.htm

Most people I've read about on here that have taken this test has come up with 1 or more heavy metals above normal, even though it's pretty rare. Anyone have a differing opinion? I'm trying to separate fact from fiction and will take or not take the test based on what you guys have to say. Thanks.

I've gotten this test. Don't be afraid to have it done. This lab is as good as any.

And I agree with traveler...you have to be careful with quack watch sites. Anything that is out of the conventional medicine norm, they put it on their website. I don't even think they understand the full breath of medical literature on any given topic. It's sad and it's lazy.

You have full body neuropathy symptoms and should have metals testing done. Most likely they will do a pre and post provocations challenge. They will use some type of chelating agent for the "post" test. These metals reside in your tissues and the prior urine and blood tests that you already did will not show that.

If you want to be angered, you should read sciencebasedmedicine's posts on chronic Lyme disease. Also read the comments.....the people who run that site aren't really evidence based....because if they read all the published work on Lyme, they might arrive at a different conclusion other than all of us are crazy...and we really don't have chronic Lyme because no such thing exists in their opinion.

I've had this done and I wonder how anyone can think this is a quack?

It measures heavy metals in urine. Doctor's Data is respected and legitimate.

Does quackwatch not believe in heavy metals or something?

The problem with urine heavy metal testing or even provocation metal testing is that they aren't consistently reliable. The tests are sound and accurate but our body's ability to excrete or even mobilize metals is very inconsistent. The Doctor's Data test can be very beneficial if you have metals that you are excreting or it can be flat out wrong if you have metals and aren't excreting them. That's a pretty big swing of possible results. I recommend the test because any information is better than no information. My personal opinion is that we all have heavy metals in our system but some of us are able to function better and deal with them because their levels are lower than our threshold for negative effects. Some people have them and suffer no problems and others have low levels and are struggling with their health. For instance, epigenetic mutations to your methylation pathway genes can be much more pronounced if you have heavy metals or if you are nutrient deficient. Nutrient deficiency can contribute to heavy metal issues IMO. In essence, we must balance our pathogen load, our heavy metal load, our micronutrient intake, and our GI flora. Balancing one of these can show significant health benefits but to get 100% completely well, all 4 must be corrected. I have no knowledge on how to do this.