What Is GLP-TOX Testing?
GPL-TOX is a diagnostic test offered by Great Plains Laboratory, a specialty diagnostic laboratory that focuses on identifying and treating chronic illnesses. The test is designed to evaluate exposure to environmental toxins, including chemicals, pesticides, and metals, that may contribute to the development of chronic illnesses.
Who Is This For?
The GPL-TOX test uses a combination of urine and serum samples to evaluate a person's toxic burden. The test measures the levels of more than 170 different environmental toxins in the body, including organophosphate pesticides, phthalates, benzene, and arsenic, among others.
The GPL-TOX test from Great Plains Laboratory is primarily recommended for individuals who are experiencing chronic symptoms and have been exposed to environmental toxins, including chemicals, pesticides, and metals.
This may include individuals with a history of working in industries where exposure to toxins is common, or those who live in areas with high levels of environmental toxins, such as near industrial sites, agricultural areas, or areas with high levels of air pollution.
Symptoms that may indicate the need for the GPL-TOX test include:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Muscle
- Joint pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment.
Additionally, the GPL-TOX test may be recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as:
- Lyme disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
It is important to note that while the GPL-TOX test can help identify environmental toxins in the body, it is not a definitive diagnostic test for any specific illness or condition. Other diagnostic tools, such as physical examination, medical history, and other laboratory tests, may be needed to confirm a diagnosis of a specific condition. If you are concerned about your exposure to environmental toxins and how it may be affecting your health, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider with experience in evaluating and treating environmental toxicities.
Exploring Neuropsychiatric Connections
There is growing evidence to suggest that exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins may be associated with an increased risk of neuropsychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
Depression and Anxiety
One study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in 2015 found that exposure to a class of chemicals called phthalates, which are commonly used in plastics and other consumer products, was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in women. The study found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their urine were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to women with lower levels of phthalates.
Depression and Anxiety
Another study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in 2017 found that exposure to organophosphate pesticides, which are commonly used in agriculture, was associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety in adults. The study found that individuals with higher levels of organophosphate metabolites in their urine were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to individuals with lower levels of organophosphates.
Cognitive Impairment
A study published in the journal Environmental Research in 2020 found that exposure to multiple environmental toxins, including phthalates, heavy metals, and pesticides, was associated with cognitive impairment in children. The study found that children with higher levels of environmental toxins in their blood were more likely to have lower scores on cognitive tests compared to children with lower levels of toxins.
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*This does not substitute medical advice or consultation. Please speak with your health care provider before testing.