Mercury, Urine

Casandra

Casandra Test Code LC79800Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab LabcorpLab Test ID 007773CPT Codes 82570, 83825

Also known as: Hg, Urine

Clinical Use

Order Test

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.

Test Details

Methodology

Mass Spectrometry

Biomarkers

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

21383-5

Result Codes

21383-5
6693-6
2161-8
13465-0

Result Turnaround Time

2-5 days

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.