Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry
Investigation Name:Mercury- Urine
Alias or Abbreviation:Hg, Urine mercury to creatinine ratio, Random urine mercury, 24-hour urine mercury excretion
Accreditation: UKAS IS015189 : 2022 Accredited test: on scope
Intro:
Mercury is a non-essential element with industrial uses including the manufacture of batteries and, to a lesser extent nowadays, of thermometers and barometers. In some parts of the world it is used for the reclamation of gold from ores or spent jewellery.It is still employed as a component of dental amalgam, although there is little evidence that it poses any health risk in this use. Theories linking the presence of ethyl mercury in vaccines to autism have not been substantiated.
Deliberate overdoses by self-injection of elemental mercury or by ingestion of mercury salts are seen periodically. Excessive consumption of foods such as swordfish or tuna can lead to chronic organic mercury overload.
Whole blood is the specimen of choice for the investigation of exposure to organic mercury. Where there is acute to mercury vapour or ingestion of mercury salts, it is useful to collect both blood and urine samples.
Pathology Laboratory:Trace Elements Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:Random urine mercury: nmol/mmol,
24-hour urine mercury excretion: nmol/24 hours
Minimum Sample Volume:1 mL urine
Expected Turnaround Time:10 working days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.
Test Code: Random urine: UHG,
24-urine mercury excretion: HG24
Sample Type:
Investigation of mercury toxicity: random urine sample collected into white universal container.Monitoring of chelation therapy: 24-hour urine sample, collected into a polypropylene container.
Complex Reference Range:Random urine mercury: <1.4 nmol/mmol creatinine.
24-hour urine mercury excretion: <13.4 nmol/24 hours
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Store at 4°C prior to dispatch,
If dispatching within 24 hours of collection. Store for longer periods at +20°C.
Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperatre, 1st class post.
Sandwell Health Campus,
Pathology Laboratory,
Specialist Chemistry,
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:Yes
EQA Scheme:UK NEQAS for Trace Elements
Further information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.
Lead Contact Details:Dr Nicola Barlow, Consultant Clinical Scientist,
SAS Director Trace Elements Laboratory,
Email: nicola.barlow1@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Methodology:Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Site Sample Tested:Sandwell Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number: Tel: 0121 507 5162
