Mineral Screen

The Mineral Screen is a targeted blood panel for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, palpitations, poor wound healing, or hair and nail changes, where an underlying disturbance in essential or trace mineral balance is suspected. It is also useful for monitoring mineral status in people with chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, long-term diuretic or proton pump inhibitor use, and those receiving parenteral nutrition. The panel is analysed using validated laboratory techniques including inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace elements and spectrophotometric or ion-selective electrode methods for the major electrolytes, ensuring accurate and reproducible quantification of each mineral.

Major Minerals and Electrolytes
- Calcium: essential for bone health, nerve conduction, muscle contraction and blood clotting.
- Inorganic phosphates: works with calcium in bone metabolism and cellular energy regulation.
- Magnesium: a cofactor for over 300 enzymes, involved in muscle and nerve function, blood pressure and glucose control.
- Potassium: critical for cardiac rhythm, nerve signalling and fluid balance.
- Sodium: the principal extracellular electrolyte governing fluid balance and blood pressure.

Trace Elements
- Zinc: supports immune function, wound healing, taste and smell, and hormone regulation.
- Manganese: a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes and bone formation.
- Aluminium: monitored as a potential toxic accumulation, particularly in renal impairment or long-term antacid use.

Why it matters
Mineral imbalances are common, often subtle, and frequently overlooked. Low magnesium or potassium can provoke palpitations and cramps, while zinc deficiency impairs immunity and healing. Elevated aluminium is a recognised neurotoxic risk in kidney disease. By measuring this comprehensive profile, the Mineral Screen helps your doctor identify deficiencies, excesses or toxic accumulations, distinguish between dietary, renal or drug-related causes, and guide targeted supplementation or treatment before more serious complications develop.