Microplastics have become a major health concern, found everywhere from Mount Everest to human brains and breast milk. It's estimated we inhale up to 68,000 microplastic particles daily. Early research links them to inflammation, organ dysfunction, osteoporosis, heart attacks, strokes, reproductive issues, and cancer. This has spurred a rise in clinics offering microplastics testing and blood-cleansing procedures, with A-listers like Orlando Bloom and Gwyneth Paltrow touting expensive treatments for brain fog and fatigue.
Testing at Reborne Longevity
At Marylebone's Reborne Longevity clinic, a £250 microplastics test promises to detect particles in the bloodstream. The clinic, in an elegant townhouse off Harley Street, offers genetic testing, DEXA scans, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A clinician performed a finger-prick test, applying blood to a plastic-free collection card in under 10 minutes.
Dr Dorsa Jalaei, Preventive Health Coordinator, reported the result: “Your screen detected three particles in all, in the smaller size ranges, which works out at a low calculated concentration. So as a single snapshot, there is nothing to be concerned about.” She noted a rise in requests but said for most, the test isn't necessary. “For a healthy person without a specific high exposure event, it adds very little to the picture.”
Treatment at Clarify Clinic
For high levels, Marylebone's Clarify Clinic offers the Clari procedure, removing 90–99% of microplastics from blood. Endorsed by Orlando Bloom, the £9,750 treatment takes two hours: blood is extracted, plasma separated, filtered through a column to trap microplastics and forever chemicals, then returned to the patient. Some feel energised; others experience flu-like symptoms.
CEO Yael Coen noted a significant rise in patients: “Microplastics now come up in our consultations regularly. Most people are disturbed to learn where microplastics have been found, including blood, placental tissue and major organs. While we can't yet say what a high load means over 20 years, I think we can all agree they shouldn't be in us.”
Expert Skepticism
Experts urge caution. Dr Leon Barron, lead of the Emerging Chemical Contaminants team at Imperial College, said: “Single, simple tests are not likely to provide unequivocal proof. Some tests may only tell a particle is present, not even that it is plastic. It is very difficult to truly confirm the presence of microplastics in human tissues.” Dr Stephanie Wright added: “Over the next few years, we need this evidence base to grow to determine whether there is a threat or not.”
All agree on reducing plastic exposure. Dr Jalaei advised: “Choose glass or stainless steel for food storage and reheating, avoid heating food in plastic and filter your tap water. These are sensible, low-cost habits.”
