Can You Test for Microplastics and Forever Chemicals in Your Body?

If you've recently watched Netflix's The Plastic Detox — or simply read one too many headlines about microplastics showing up in human blood, breast milk, and newborn lungs — you've probably asked yourself the same question: Is this stuff in me? And can I find out?

The honest answer is: yes, partially. You cannot yet get a single comprehensive test that measures every type of microplastic in your body. Microplastic testing in humans is still an emerging area of science, and consumer-grade testing for plastic particles themselves remains limited. However, you can test for many of the most harmful chemical additives that leach from plastics — including PFAS (forever chemicals), BPA, phthalates, and parabens — and those results can tell you a great deal about your exposure level.

What You Can Test For Right Now

The chemicals most commonly associated with plastic exposure fall into four main categories. Each has different testing options available to consumers.

PFAS (forever chemicals) are a class of roughly 12,000 synthetic chemicals found in non-stick cookware, food packaging, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam. A consumer blood test is available. BPA and bisphenols are hormone-disrupting chemicals in hard plastics, found in water bottles, can linings, and thermal receipts — testable via urine. Phthalates are plasticizers that make plastic flexible, found in food packaging and personal care products — also testable via urine. Parabens are preservatives often paired with phthalates in personal care products, also urine-testable.

The Tests Worth Knowing About

Million Marker Detect & Detox Test Kit — $399

This is currently the only mail-in consumer test that specifically measures bisphenols and phthalates — the two chemical classes featured prominently in The Plastic Detox documentary. You collect a urine sample at home and mail it to a lab. Results include your personal levels compared to population averages, plus specific recommendations for reducing your exposure based on what they find. The kit also includes 12 months of access to educational content and personalized reduction tips.

Learn more at Million Marker

empowerDX At-Home PFAS Blood Test — $279

This test measures 16 PFAS compounds — including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX — the same panel used by the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Collection is a simple finger-prick at home, mailed to an EPA-accredited Eurofins laboratory. Results arrive within 15–30 days via a secure online portal. HSA/FSA eligible.

PFAS chemicals are among the most persistent environmental contaminants known. Unlike bisphenols and phthalates, which the body can clear relatively quickly, PFAS accumulate over time and have been linked in studies to thyroid dysfunction, immune suppression, elevated cholesterol, and certain cancers.

Learn more at empowerDX

Quest Diagnostics PFAS Test Panel — ~$150–$200

Quest measures 9 PFAS chemicals associated with documented health risks. Ordered through your doctor or directly through QuestHealth.com, with a blood draw at a Quest patient service center. Results come with physician oversight and can be added to your medical record.

Learn more at Quest Diagnostics

Mosaic Diagnostics TOXDetect Profile

For people working with a functional medicine practitioner, this is one of the most comprehensive chemical exposure panels available — measuring 27 environmental toxicant metabolites including phthalate metabolites, benzene, and other toxic non-metal chemicals.

Learn more at Mosaic Diagnostics

Silent Spring Institute Detox Me Action Kit

Developed by a nonprofit breast cancer research organization, this urine-based test screens for 10 common household chemicals including phthalates, parabens, and other endocrine disruptors, with results framed around practical exposure reduction steps.

Learn more at Silent Spring Institute

What About Testing for Microplastic Particles?

There is currently no commercially available consumer test that measures microplastic particles in your blood or tissue. Detecting particles requires specialized equipment not yet available in consumer-facing labs. The chemical tests above — particularly for PFAS, bisphenols, and phthalates — serve as a meaningful proxy for your overall plastic chemical exposure.

What to Do With Your Results

If you test and find elevated levels, the most important thing to know is that many of these compounds can be reduced through behavioral changes. Our Help Your Body page covers science-backed strategies for reducing your chemical burden, including some that most people haven't heard of — like plasma donation for PFAS reduction.