DU Screening
How Can I Be Tested for DU?
If you are worried about possible exposure to DU, talk to your local Environmental Health Coordinator Environmental Health Coordinators - Public Health (va.gov) or VA medical provider. Ask to be tested for DU.
The steps for testing include:
- Your VA facility orders a special urine collection kit from the MEDU Surveillance Center.
- Your VA provider works with you to complete a DU exposure questionnaire and submit a urine sample.
- You will visit one of the main VA medical facilities for the urine collection.
- Your local facility submits your specimen and questionnaire to the MEDU Surveillance Center.
What Will Be Measured in the Urine Sample I Provide?
The DU urine test measures total urine uranium. Remember that natural uranium is found in the food you eat and the water you drink. Therefore, everyone excretes uranium in their urine. If the sample has enough total uranium content, an added test is performed on the same urine sample to decide if the uranium is DU.
Please note that these are very specialized tests. It may take up to 30 days, sometimes longer, to receive results.
What Do the Results Mean?
Your total uranium level will be compared to the common range found in the general public. The added test will tell us if DU is present in your urine.
If the result shows a high total urine uranium level or shows that DU is present, you will need to talk to your doctor about whether follow up is needed. The MEDU Surveillance Center will send a letter to you and your provider that explain your result and recommended follow-up actions.
How Many Veterans Have Been Screened For DU?
As of January 1, 2024, over 8,500 concerned Veterans have submitted a urine sample for DU testing. However, only five have tested positive for DU. The Veterans who tested positive were all involved in ‘friendly fire’ events that involved DU. These Veterans were invited to be part of the DU Follow-up Program offered by the MEDU Surveillance Center.
Depleted Uranium
Chemical used in tanks and in bullets that penetrate enemy armored vehicles
When a vehicle is hit and penetrated by a DU projectile, it splits into small shards and bursts into flames. The projectile fragmentation may fill the vehicle with flying metal fragments, particles, and dust.
Inhalation, oral, or dermal (wounds)
Southwest Asia, South-Central Asia, Western/Central Europe, Southeastern Europe
Gulf War, Operation Joint Endeavor (OJE), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) / Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) / Operation New Dawn (OND)
1990-1991, 1992-1995, 2001-present
The two primary health concerns related to DU exposure are radiation and heavy metal toxicity.
- Radiation - since DU is less radioactive than naturally occurring uranium, this should not be a significant source of concern.
- Heavy metal toxicity - The first organs of concern are the kidneys. Currently, there is no evidence of long-term health effects in Veterans as a result of embedded DU fragments.
The potential for health effects from internal exposure is related to the amount of DU that enters a person’s body. Inhaled DU particles are likely cleared from the lungs over several years. DU fragments may remain for many years. Other health effects being studied are the effects on the kidneys and on bone mineral density.
- Depleted Uranium Fact Sheet
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/depleted-uranium/du_factsheet.pdf
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_uranium/index.asp.
- Depleted Uranium webpage
- https://health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/Environmental-Exposures/Depleted-Uranium .
- DoD Depleted Uranium (DU) Library
Get a Registry Evaluation
- Environmental Health Coordinator
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp
Contact your local https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/coordinators.asp, https://www.oefoif.va.gov/map.asp, or VA Primary Care Team about getting a registry evaluation.
WRIISC Link
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC)
- https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/referral/index.asp
For evaluation for difficult-to-diagnose conditions, contact your local https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WARRELATEDILLNESS/referral/index.asp.
Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program
- https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_uranium/followup_program.asp
"Depleted Uranium Follow-Up Program screens and monitors Veterans for health problems associated with exposure to depleted uranium (DU). The program is especially geared to Veterans who were on, in or near vehicles hit with 'friendly fire'; rescuers entering burning vehicles, and those near burning vehicles; salvaging damaged vehicles; or near fires involving DU munitions. VA requires active duty service in any of the conflicts listed below to qualify for the DU Follow-Up Program:
- 1990-1991 Gulf War
- Bosnia
- Operation Enduring Freedom
- Operation Iraqi Freedom
- Operation New Dawn
- For more information, visit: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/depleted_uranium/followup_program.asp
1990 2100 Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) / Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS) Southwest Asia, South-Central Asia
