Mercury, Random Urine
Use
Mercury, a highly toxic metal, is present in select industrial environments and in contaminated seafood. Urinary measurements are appropriate for assessing ongoing exposure to inorganic mercury. Creatinine is included to normalize urinary mercury excretion. This test aids in evaluating potential toxic exposure scenarios where inorganic mercury burden may be elevated.
Special Instructions
Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours before collection. For industrial exposure evaluation, collect sample preshift after 16 hours without exposure. Submit 7 mL random urine collected in an acid-washed metal‑free, plastic leak‑proof container. Note that non‑trace element containers are accepted but elevated results will prompt recommendation for resubmission using trace‑element tubes.
Limitations
The test is not FDA cleared or approved; it was developed and performance-validated under CLIA regulations. Elevated results from specimens submitted in non‑trace element containers may be inaccurate. Creatinine normalization is necessary due to variation in urine concentration. Analytical performance is lab‑validated; potential interference may occur if seafood consumption or other exposures are not controlled.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Urine
Volume
7 mL random urine
Minimum Volume
3 mL
Container
Acid‑washed metal‑free, plastic leak‑proof container
Collection Instructions
Random urine collected preshift after 16 hours without exposure; avoid seafood for 48 hours
Patient Preparation
Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours before collection; test industrial exposure preshift after 16 hours without exposure
Causes for Rejection
Use of non‑trace element containers—acceptable but may prompt resubmission if elevated results
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 5 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant