Essential minerals are deemed essential because our bodies are not able to make them, and we need to maintain baseline levels in our bloodstream for various biochemical processes. For optimal health and wellness, it is vital that we get certain amounts of these essential minerals through our diet. With modern diets, deficiencies and excessively high levels of these essential minerals are somewhat rare in the developed world but can cause significant health issues when they do occur. Similarly, small amounts of some essential minerals are vital for health. Low levels of certain heavy metals are normal due to diet or other environmental exposure. High levels can become a significant health concern over time and increase the risk for various chronic diseases. This simple lab test is also an effective way to measure the levels of essential minerals and heavy metals so that the health issues associated with abnormalities may be prevented.