Eligibility
Post-9/11 Veterans who have, or likely have, an embedded fragment as the result of injury received while serving in an area of conflict are eligible for the Embedded Fragment registry and surveillance program.
Participation in Embedded Fragment Surveillance
If you have an embedded fragment, talk with your local Environmental Health Coordinator Environmental Health Coordinators - Public Health (va.gov) or VA health care provider about testing for metals that might be released from the fragments. They will need to obtain a special urine collection kit from the MEDU Surveillance Center.
They will then work with you to complete a form that asks about your injury and fragments and obtain a urine sample to submit to the MEDU Surveillance Center for testing. A urine sample is needed to measure the level of metals that may be present or released from fragments.
Your urine will be tested to detect possible exposure to certain metals that have previously been found in fragments. The creatinine level will also be measured. Creatinine is a waste product always found in urine. It helps determine how diluted or concentrated the urine is during the time of the test. It also allows urine samples to be more accurately compared to each other. Please note that the metal tests are very specialized, and it may take up to 30 days, sometimes longer, to receive results.
It is common for people to have small amounts of - metals in their urine. Most people are exposed to these materials through the food they eat or water they drink. However, the actual levels of the metals found will be helpful in determining what the fragments in your body may contain. The MEDU Surveillance Center will send you and your VA health care provider a letter explaining the results of the testing. These letters will also contain recommendations for follow-up.
