Mercury
What is analysed?
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical element that exists in different forms in the human body, including elemental (metallic), inorganic, and organic mercury compounds.
The mercury test measures the levels of mercury in the body.
What does the result mean?
The result indicates the concentration of mercury in the collected sample.
Why conduct the analysis?
The mercury test is conducted to assess mercury levels in patients working where occupational or environmental mercury exposure is a risk, as well as to investigate symptoms related to mercury toxicity.
When to conduct the analysis?
The mercury test is conducted when symptoms related to mercury toxicity, including neurological, renal or gastrointestinal symptoms, are present.
What sample is required?
A blood sample or a urine sample are used for the analysis of mercury levels. In some cases, hair or nail samples may also be analysed for long-term exposure to mercury.
Is any prior preparation necessary?
- For a urine sample: Patients can eat and drink before the sample is taken, but should avoid any medications or substances that could affect results.
- For a blood sample: Patients should fast for 8-12 hours before the sample is taken.
- For hair or nail samples: No prior preparation is necessary.
How is it performed?
The collected sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is analysed.
- For blood and urine samples: Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques are used for the analysis.
- For hair or nail samples: Digestion and similar methods are used for the analysis.
What are the normal values?
| Analyte | Normal range |
|---|---|
| Mercury in blood | <5 micrograms per litre (µg/L) |
| Mercury in urine | <5 micrograms per litre (µg/L) |
| Mercury in hair | <1 microgram per gram (µg/g) |
What does having altered values mean?
- Elevated mercury levels: Raised mercury levels indicate recent exposure or chronic exposure to mercury. The form of mercury detected can provide insights into potential sources of exposure.