Are microplastics blood tests accurate?

Microplastics testing: key numbers

• A 2024 study of whole blood from 20 healthy volunteers identified 24 polymer types in 18 of 20 donors (90%), with concentrations of 1.84 to 4.65 µg/mL. Its procedural blank (control) samples contained 7 polymer types that were distinct from those identified in blood, which is why contamination controls matter.[7]
• FDA says that because there are no standardized methods for how to detect, quantify, or characterize microplastics and nanoplastics, many of the scientific studies have used methods of variable, questionable, and/or limited accuracy and specificity.[8]
• In a 2024 observational study, polyethylene was detected in the carotid artery plaque of 150 of 257 patients (58.4%) followed for about 34 months. Patients with microplastics and nanoplastics in plaque had a higher risk of heart attack, stroke or death from any cause (hazard ratio 4.53). The study measured plaque removed during surgery, not blood, and shows an association, not a cause.[9]

What has research measured in blood?

A 2022 study measured plastic particles of 700 nm or larger in whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers; the mean summed concentration was 1.6 µg/ml.[1] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene and polymers of styrene were the most widely encountered.[1] Smaller nanoplastics need specialized imaging; a 2024 study described a new single-particle imaging method for them.[6]

Why is accuracy hard to judge?

• No reference range: there is no accepted normal range for microplastic particles in blood that a result could be compared with.
• Size limits: methods detect particles above a size cut-off, such as 700 nm in the 2022 study, so smaller particles can be missed.[1]
• Contamination: plastic is everywhere in labs and collection supplies, so particle studies need careful controls.
• Unclear health meaning: WHO said in 2019 that information is limited and called for more research.[2]

What can you measure instead?

Urine tests can measure chemicals associated with plastics. Our plastic chemicals test does not count particles; it measures BPA, four phthalate metabolites, parabens, triclosan, 4-nonylphenol and diphenyl phosphate in urine.[3] See what at-home plastic tests actually measure.

Where does Intrinsic Prism fit?

Intrinsic Prism is an at-home testing and guidance package covering 133+ markers across mycotoxins, heavy metals, environmental toxins, PFAS chemicals and toxin genetics.[3] It does not measure microplastic particles. The package is $1,999 per participant and HSA/FSA eligible; your plan administrator decides reimbursement.[4] We ship to most countries; availability is confirmed at checkout.[5] Results are educational and are not a diagnosis.

Related guides

• Plastic chemicals test (BPA and phthalates)
• Microplastics and plastic chemical tests
• Microplastics statistics
• Do microplastics affect testosterone?

Frequently asked questions

Is there an accurate blood test for microplastics?

We know of no validated consumer blood test that counts microplastic particles. Blood measurements published so far come from research laboratories.[1]

Have microplastics been found in human blood?

Yes. A 2022 study measured plastic particles of 700 nm or larger in whole blood from 22 healthy volunteers.[1]

Do microplastics in blood harm health?

The health meaning is not established. In 2019 WHO said information was limited and called for more research.[2]

Does Intrinsic Prism test for microplastics?

No. We measure plastic-associated chemicals in urine, such as BPA and four phthalate metabolites, not particles.[3]

What should I test if I am worried about plastics?

A urine test for plastic-associated chemicals, such as our plastic chemicals test, shows recent exposure to those chemicals.[3]

Why are microplastics blood results hard to compare?

There are no standardized methods to detect, quantify or characterize microplastics, and FDA says many studies have used methods of variable, questionable, and/or limited accuracy and specificity. There is also no accepted normal range to compare a result with.[8]

How often have studies found microplastics in blood?

In a 2024 study of 20 healthy volunteers, polymers were identified in the blood of 18 of 20 donors (90%).[7]

Can contamination affect microplastics test results?

Yes, which is why studies run blank controls. In the 2024 blood study, the procedural blank samples contained 7 polymer types, distinct from those identified in blood.[7]