Analysis of elements in stool provides a means to assess oral exposure, and to a lesser extent endogenous detoxification of potentially toxic metals. For several toxic elements such as mercury, cadmium, lead, antimony and uranium, biliary excretion of metals into feces is a primary natural route of elimination from the body.
Stool testing for toxic metals provides an alternative for infants, children or adults for whom urine collection is problematic. Analysis of elements in stool provides a comprehensive evaluation of dietary exposure and the results of stool elemental analysis can help identify and eliminate dietary exposure to toxic metals.