Fluoride Blood Test

The fluoride blood test is used to measure environmental or occupational exposure to fluoride.

Fluoride is a compound that naturally occurs in the environment. Small amounts of fluoride is added to drinking water in order to kill insects and other parasites, as well as in toothpaste. Only a small amount of this trace mineral is required in the body for the formation of healthy teeth and bones. However, increased occupational or environmental exposure can lead to fluoride toxicity. Increased exposure to fluoride can lead to damage to many organs in the body, including the kidneys, brain and thyroid. This blood test measures the amount of fluoride in the blood and is more accurate for detecting acute and recent exposure.

This blood test is performed in following conditions such as:

• Abdominal pain
• Abnormal taste in the mouth
• Convulsions
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Heart attack
• Irregular or slow heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shallow breathing
• Weakness