Total:€ 50,00
Iodine Load Test (potassium iodide provocation test) (Urine)
€ 50,00
This test measures the amount of iodine excreted in urine after a single dose of potassium iodide. We can provide a capsule that contains this exact amount. After ingestion, a 24-hour urine collection is analyzed
Your test at a glance
- Sample
- Urine
- Results from receipt
- Usually 3–10 days
- Fasting
- An overnight fast is usually not needed. Follow the kit’s food, drink and collection-timing instructions.
Timing starts when suitable samples arrive at the laboratory. Shipping time is additional. Combined panels may take longer.
Preparation: Pause non-prescribed nutritional supplements for at least 48 hours, unless WHL or your clinician advises otherwise.
WHL will send the full test instructions with your kit or appointment confirmation. Follow these before collecting.
Preparation and important notesOne charge per request. Processing and handling is charged once for the complete request, not for each test or panel. Collection and delivery charges are shown separately at checkout.
Description
What it measures
After ingesting a single dose of potassium iodide, the patient collects all urine over 24 hours.
In theory:
- A well-saturated body excretes ~90% or more of the iodine dose.
- A body that is deficient retains more iodine, and therefore excretes less.
Why it matters
- Designed to evaluate whole-body iodine sufficiency, not just short-term dietary intake.
- Popular in functional and integrative medicine for patients with chronic fatigue, fibrocystic breast disease, thyroid disorders, or low energy.
Clinical applications
- Suspected chronic iodine deficiency despite normal urine spot/24h values.
- Monitoring iodine replenishment protocols.
- Patients with persistent thyroid symptoms despite “normal” thyroid hormone levels.
Practical details
- Test requires strict adherence to 24-hour urine collection.
- Capsule of 50 mg potassium iodide should be taken at the start of the collection (WHL provides a standardized capsule to ensure accuracy).
- Urine is analyzed for iodine excretion to determine iodine retention.
Limitations and controversies
- The loading test is debated in conventional endocrinology. Some argue it may overestimate deficiency and is not standardized worldwide.
- Should be interpreted in context with thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3), thyroid antibodies, and clinical symptoms.
- Sample requirement: 24 Hours Urine (after iodine administration)
Suitable for postal submission.
Additional information
| Weight | 0,5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 25 × 16 × 2,5 cm |
| Sample Type |
Preparing for this test
WHL will send detailed collection, storage and return instructions with your test kit or appointment confirmation. Those test-specific instructions take priority.
Sample: Urine
Fasting: An overnight fast is usually not needed. Follow the kit’s food, drink and collection-timing instructions.
For nutritional testing, pause non-prescribed supplements, including protein and amino-acid powders, for at least 48 hours unless WHL or your clinician advises otherwise. If monitoring supplements, agree the timing with your practitioner.
The collection time, container and storage depend on the test. Follow your WHL kit; do not switch between a spot sample and a 24-hour collection.
Do not take a provocation or loading substance without supervision from your treating clinician. Arrange this test with WHL first.
Do not stop prescribed medicines or prescribed supplements without advice from your treating clinician. Tell WHL about high-dose biotin; some tests need a longer pause. A short supplement pause does not remove all effects of long-term use.
If another test in the same order requires fasting, follow the combined instructions. Ask your clinician or WHL before fasting if you have diabetes, use glucose-lowering medicine, are pregnant, or are arranging testing for a child.
When to expect your results
Usually 3–10 days. This estimate starts when suitable samples reach the laboratory, not on the order or collection date. Shipping is additional. WHL will confirm any test-specific exception; a combined panel follows its slowest component.
Practical preparation tips
If fasting is requested, drink only plain water in your usual amounts. Do not have coffee, tea, juice, milk, energy drinks, sweets or chewing gum. Avoid smoking or vaping that morning. Book an early appointment and eat after collection.
For a planned blood test, avoid alcohol and unusually strenuous exercise for 24 hours, where practical, and sit quietly for about 15 minutes before collection. Tell WHL if you could not follow the preparation instructions.
Do not extend fasting or change prescribed medication on your own. Ask your clinician first if you have diabetes, need medicine with food, are pregnant, or are arranging testing for a child. WHL’s full test-specific instructions take priority.
Sources for this general preparation guidance
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — plasma amino acids
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — vitamin B6
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — B12 and folate
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — vitamins A and E
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — iron studies
- NHS — fasting blood tests
- EAS/EFLM — fasting and non-fasting lipids
- EFLM/COLABIOCLI — preparation for blood collection
Other laboratories’ methods and preparation rules can differ. These sources support the general advice; WHL confirms the instructions for the method used for your test.