Mercury, 24‑Hour Urine
Use
This test is used to monitor exposure to inorganic mercury by measuring the amount of mercury excreted in a 24‑hour urine collection. It is particularly useful for evaluation of industrial or environmental mercury exposure. Some forms of organic mercury (e.g., phenylmercury) may be metabolized to inorganic mercury and detected, but methylmercury and ethylmercury are typically not detected in urine. ([hnl.com](https://www.hnl.com/test-directory/mercury-urine/mer24?utm_source=openai))
Special Instructions
Collect a 24‑hour urine specimen, preferably preshift (i.e., after 16 hours without exposure). Submit 5 mL of well‑mixed urine transferred to a certified metal‑free aliquot tube. If both urinalysis and metal testing are ordered, provide separate specimens due to potential preservative interference. Transport the specimen refrigerated. ([hnl.com](https://www.hnl.com/test-directory/mercury-urine/mer24?utm_source=openai))
Limitations
Routine preservatives may contain mercuric oxide (e.g., Stabilur), which can interfere with metal testing; thus, a separate preservative‑free specimen is required for accurate analysis. Additionally, this test primarily detects inorganic mercury; organic alkylmercury forms (e.g., methylmercury) are poorly excreted in urine and may not be detected reliably. ([hnl.com](https://www.hnl.com/test-directory/mercury-urine/mer24?utm_source=openai))
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
5-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Certified metal‑free aliquot tube (screw cap)
Collection Instructions
Collect a 24‑hour or random urine specimen (preshift, after 16 hours without exposure); transfer 5 mL of well‑mixed urine to a certified metal‑free aliquot tube; if both urinalysis and metal testing are ordered, submit separate specimen.
Patient Preparation
Preshift collection after 16 hours without exposure.
Storage Instructions
Transport refrigerated.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |