Mercury, 24‑Hour Urine

Casandra

Casandra Test Code QD06231Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Quest DiagnosticsLab Test ID 36441CPT Code 83825

Mercury, 24‑Hour Urine

Clinical Use

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))

Test Details

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

2 components

Mercury, 24‑Hour UrineMercury/Creatinine Ratio

Result Turnaround Time

5-9 days

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.