Mercury, Urine
Also known as: Hg, Urine
Use
Monitor exposure to mercury (primarily inorganic mercury). Some organic forms of mercury, including phenylmercury, are metabolized to inorganic mercury; however, methylmercury and ethylmercury are not metabolized to inorganic mercury and the primary route of excretion is in the bile and stool; consequently, these alkylmercury compounds are usually not detected in urine.2
Special Instructions
Sampling time is pre-shift for industrial monitoring, and the request form must state 24-hour collection volume, if applicable. Do not use preservative, as preservatives used for routine analysis may contain mercuric oxide, which interferes with all metal testing. If both urinalysis and metal testing are ordered, submit a separate urine specimen containing no additive for the metal testing.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics were determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Some organic forms of mercury, including phenylmercury, are metabolized to inorganic mercury; however, methylmercury and ethylmercury are not metabolized to inorganic mercury and are usually not detected in urine.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 21383-5
- 21383-5
- 6693-6
- 2161-8
- 13465-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
2.5 mL
Container
Plastic urine container, no preservative
Collection Instructions
Sampling time is pre-shift (meaning 16 hours without exposure). Instruct the patient to void at 8 AM and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine including the final specimen voided at the end of the 24-hour collection period (8 AM the next morning). Screw the lid on securely and mix well.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |