Mercury, Blood
Use
The Mercury, Blood test is primarily used for detecting mercury toxicity in individuals. Mercury, in its elemental form, is relatively non-toxic, but becomes highly toxic when chemically modified to ionized, inorganic species or further to alkyl derivatives such as methyl mercury. Monitoring mercury levels in blood helps in assessing exposure, especially in settings where mercury is prevalent, such as certain industrial environments or dietary habits involving high consumption of fish that may contain higher levels of mercury.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be collected using metal-free tubes due to the sensitivity of the detection method to trace metals. Additionally, if a patient has recently been administered gadolinium or iodine contrast media, it is advised to wait at least 96 hours before specimen collection to prevent interference. Ensure the specimen container remains unopened until testing to maintain sample integrity.
Limitations
The test cannot distinguish between different species of mercury present in the sample. External factors such as recent administration of gadolinium or iodine-containing contrast media can interfere with the test results. This method does not provide information on occupational exposure levels or differentiate between endogenous and exogenous sources of mercury.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 5685-3
- 5685-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Royal blue-top BD vacutainer with EDTA blood collection tube
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot. Refer to Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport PDF for detailed collection and transport instructions.
Patient Preparation
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine in the body can interfere with the test. Avoid specimen collection for 96 hours post-administration of gadolinium or iodine contrast media.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen must not have been opened or used for other tests before shipping.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |