What does a Nickel test measure?

A Nickel test measures the concentration of nickel in your blood, typically expressed in micrograms per litre (μg/L). This biomarker can help identify whether you've been exposed to elevated levels of this trace metal, which is commonly found in jewellery, coins, batteries, and certain industrial environments.

What is a normal Nickel level?

Normal Nickel levels vary depending on age, sex, and the specific laboratory's reference range, so it's important to check the reference range provided with your test results. We recommend discussing your individual Nickel level with your healthcare provider, who can interpret your results in the context of your health history and potential exposures.

When should I consider getting a Nickel test?

You may want to consider a Nickel test if you work in manufacturing, metalworking, or jewellery industries, experience unexplained skin reactions or respiratory symptoms, or have prolonged exposure to nickel-containing products. A Nickel test can also be part of routine heavy metal screening as part of your overall preventative health assessment.

Is Nickel included in Listen Health's membership?

Yes, Nickel testing is included as part of Listen Health's comprehensive panel of 100+ biomarkers available through both Standard and Premium annual memberships. This allows you to monitor your heavy metal exposure as part of your preventative health strategy.

Nickel — What It Is & Why It Matters | Listen Health

Name: Nickel
Creator: Listen Health
Published: 2026-03-15

Do I need a Nickel test?

Do you work in manufacturing or spend time around stainless steel products? Or perhaps you're curious about heavy metal exposure in your everyday environment? Understanding your nickel levels may help you make more informed decisions about your health and exposure sources.

Nickel testing measures the amount of this metal circulating in your body, typically through a urine sample, which can reflect your recent and ongoing exposure from food, water, industrial settings, and consumer products.

Knowing your nickel levels can be a valuable starting point for understanding your body's exposure profile. If you work in high-risk industries or have concerns about environmental toxins, this biomarker can help you and your health practitioner identify patterns and explore practical ways to minimise exposure. It's part of Listen Health's comprehensive heavy metals panel, designed to give you clarity about what's actually in your system.

Nickel — Key Facts

MeasuresA trace metal used in everyday products and industrial settings that can become toxic with chronic exposure.

CategoryHeavy Metals

Unitμg/L

Tested inListen Health Standard & Premium membership (100+ biomarkers)

Reviewed byDr Jamie Deans, MBChB

What is it?

Nickel (Ni) is a naturally occurring metal used in the production of stainless steel, batteries, coins, and various industrial alloys. It is also found in some food, water, and consumer products, making low-level exposure common in daily life. Nickel can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact, and chronic exposure may lead to systemic accumulation, particularly in the kidneys and liver.

Biomonitoring of urinary nickel provides a reliable measure of internal exposure, especially in industrial or high-risk populations.

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Why does it matter?

Nickel is both an essential trace element (in trace amounts) and a potential toxin at higher exposures. Its effects depend on dose, duration, and exposure route:

Dermatological: Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, leading to rashes and itching upon skin contact.
Respiratory: Inhalation of nickel dust or fumes can cause chronic bronchitis, asthma-like symptoms, and long-term increases in lung and nasal cancer risk in exposed workers.
Systemic toxicity: Chronic exposure has been linked with nephrotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, and oxidative stress, potentially contributing to metabolic disturbances and insulin resistance.
Carcinogenicity: Nickel compounds are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

What causes fluctuations?

Nickel levels vary due to dietary intake, occupational, and environmental exposure:

Dietary intake: Nickel-rich foods (nuts, legumes, chocolate, oats, cocoa, soy, canned foods) can increase levels.
Jewelry and metal contact: Wearing nickel-containing jewelry, belts, or using metal tools can trigger skin absorption and contact dermatitis.
Occupational exposure: Common in welding, electroplating, battery manufacturing, and metal refining.
Environmental sources: Air and water contamination near industrial sites.
Nutritional status: Deficiencies in iron and calcium increase nickel absorption in the gut.
Age and kidney function: Reduced excretion with aging or renal impairment can elevate body burden.

References

Nickel Allergy Is Associated With a Broad Spectrum Cytokine Response. De Graaf NPJ, Roffel S, Gibbs S, et al. Contact Dermatitis. 2023;88(1):10-17. doi:10.1111/cod.14199.

An ICP-MS Study for Quantitation of Nickel and Other Inorganic Elements in Urine Samples: Correlation of Patch Test Results With Lifestyle Habits. Mercan S, Vehid H, Semen S, et al.Biological Trace Element Research. 2022;200(1):49-58. doi:10.1007/s12011-021-02636-y.

Biomonitoring of Urinary Nickel Successfully Protects Employees and Introduces Effective Interventions.Kuo CY, Lin CF, Chung SY, et al. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(8):4887. doi:10.3390/ijerph19084887.

Influence of Dietary Factors, Age and Nickel Contact Dermatitis on Nickel Excretion. Darsow U, Fedorov M, Schwegler U, et al.Contact Dermatitis. 2012;67(6):351-8. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02153.x.

Evidence of Nickel and Other Trace Elements and Their Relationship to Clinical Findings in Acute Mesoamerican Nephropathy: A Case-Control Analysis. Fischer RSB, Unrine JM, Vangala C, et al.PloS One. 2020;15(11):e0240988. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0240988.

Association of Urinary Nickel Levels With Diabetes and Fasting Blood Glucose Levels: A Nationwide Chinese Population-Based Study. Qu Y, Ji S, Sun Q, et al. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2023;252:114601. doi:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114601.

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AHPRA Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and should not replace individual medical advice. Always discuss your test results and health concerns with a registered healthcare practitioner.