Mercury Blood Test
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The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
Also known as: Mercury Blood
Mercury, Blood
The Mercury Blood Test test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker .
Brief Description: The Mercury Blood test, also known as a Blood Mercury test, is a laboratory analysis used to measure the concentration of mercury in a person's blood. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can be found in various forms in the environment, and exposure to high levels of mercury can be harmful to health. The test helps assess mercury exposure and is valuable in occupational health assessments and environmental monitoring.
Also Known As: Hg Test, Hg Blood Test, Mercury Blood Test
Testing Method: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry
Collection Method: Blood Draw 
Specimen Type: 4 mL Refrigerated Whole Blood 
Test Preparation: Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to sample collection
When is a Mercury test ordered?
When a person exhibits signs and symptoms that point to high mercury exposure, mercury testing may be recommended. Chronically exposed people may get nonspecific symptoms including the lungs, kidneys, and neurological system.
When it is known that a person has been exposed to mercury, testing may be done even if there are no symptoms to help determine the degree of the exposure.
Mercury readings, together with tests to detect lead and/or other heavy metals, may be ordered on a regular basis as a monitoring tool for those who work in industries that use mercury, and for those who work with a variety of potentially hazardous compounds.
What does a Mercury blood test check for?
Mercury is a toxic element that comes in a variety of forms. Mercury can be present in trace amounts in the environment. It is emitted as a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion and waste incineration, as well as the decomposition of minerals in rocks and soils. It is inhaled through our lungs, absorbed through our skin, and eaten through food. Some mirror coatings, medicines, and agricultural compounds include mercury. Small amounts of mercury are used in the production of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs, as well as electrical equipment, cable, and switching devices.
The minuscule amounts to which the great majority of people are exposed are generally not harmful to their health. People may acquire mercury-related symptoms or issues if they are exposed to high levels of mercury, such as those found at a hazardous waste site, or if they are exposed to mercury over a long period of time, particularly if they deal with heavy metals.
Mercury poisoning can occur if you are exposed to too much of it. The type of mercury, its quantity, and the nature of exposure all influence how much mercury a person absorbs and how it affects his or her health. Metallic mercury is absorbed relatively little by the body, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, even if it is consumed. When the same mercury is inhaled as a vapor, however, around 80% of it gets absorbed into the bloodstream.
The digestive tract absorbs about 95 percent of methyl mercury, which is found in fish and other shellfish. Consumption of contaminated seafood is the most common source of human exposure to methyl mercury. Fish from contaminated waters, as well as large predator fish that have devoured smaller fish, may have much higher methyl mercury levels. It's critical to know where your fish comes from and to keep the amount of large predator fish you eat to a minimum.
Mercury can be deposited in a range of body organs, including the kidneys and the brain, once it has been ingested. Mercury is slowly excreted by the body through urine and feces, but if an excessive amount accumulates, it can harm the kidneys, neurological system, and brain permanently.
Mercury can be passed on to an unborn baby by pregnant women with high mercury levels, impairing the development of the infant's brain, kidneys, and nerves in particular. Mercury can also be transmitted from mother to child via breast milk during breastfeeding.
Lab tests often ordered with a Mercury test:
When a Mercury Blood test is ordered, it's often part of a broader evaluation of potential heavy metal toxicity and overall health status. Here are some tests commonly ordered alongside it:
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- Purpose: To evaluate overall blood health, including red and white blood cells, and platelets.
- Why Is It Ordered: To assess for signs of anemia or other blood cell abnormalities, which can occur with heavy metal poisoning.
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Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP):
- Purpose: To assess general health status, including kidney and liver function, electrolyte and acid/base balance, and blood glucose levels.
- Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate the impact of mercury on organ systems, particularly the kidneys, as heavy metals can cause organ damage.
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- Purpose: To analyze various components of the urine.
- Why Is It Ordered: To assess kidney function and to check for the presence of proteins or other substances that indicate kidney damage.
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Lead and Arsenic Blood Tests:
- Purpose: To measure the levels of lead and arsenic in the blood.
- Why Is It Ordered: To assess exposure to other common heavy metals, as individuals exposed to one type of heavy metal may also have been exposed to others.
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- Purpose: To assess liver health.
- Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate liver function, as the liver is involved in metabolizing and detoxifying substances, including heavy metals.
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- Purpose: To evaluate kidney function.
- Why Is It Ordered: To determine the effect of mercury on the kidneys, as heavy metals can lead to renal impairment.
These tests, when ordered alongside a Mercury Blood test, provide a comprehensive view of the individual’s exposure to heavy metals and the potential health impacts. They are crucial for diagnosing and managing heavy metal toxicity and for guiding detoxification and treatment strategies. The specific combination of tests will depend on the individual’s symptoms, exposure history, and overall health status.
Conditions where a Mercury test is recommended:
A Mercury Blood test is primarily used to evaluate mercury exposure in individuals at risk or suspected of exposure. Conditions and scenarios that may warrant the test include:
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Occupational Exposure: Workers involved in industries where mercury is used or released may require regular monitoring of their mercury levels to ensure safety.
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Environmental Exposure: Individuals residing in areas with known mercury contamination may need testing to assess their exposure levels.
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Suspected Mercury Poisoning: Patients exhibiting symptoms consistent with mercury poisoning may undergo the test to confirm or rule out mercury toxicity.
How does my health care provider use a Mercury test?
Mercury testing is performed to determine whether a person's blood has an excessive amount of mercury. A health practitioner may order it to identify whether a person has been exposed to a dangerous quantity of mercury for a short period of time or for an extended period of time. Testing can also be used to keep track of those who may be exposed to mercury at work.
The presence of methyl mercury in the blood is the most common test. Other types of mercury can be found in the blood, but as the mercury goes into organs including the brain and kidneys, the amount found in the blood decreases by half every three days. As a result, blood tests must be performed within days of a possible exposure.
Other common laboratory tests may be used to assess the health of various organ systems in someone who has been exposed to dangerous levels of mercury or is suspected of having been exposed. A complete metabolic panel and a complete blood count are two examples.
What do my Mercury test results mean?
Mercury levels in the blood are generally relatively low. A test result of no mercury or a low level of mercury shows that the individual examined was not exposed to high quantities of mercury, at least not during the time period covered by the test.
A higher mercury level in the blood indicates that you were exposed to mercury recently. A blood level of more than 10 mcg/L indicates an extraordinary degree of exposure for someone who does not work with mercury on a regular basis.
Mercury levels in the blood or urine do not reflect the type or amount of mercury to which a person was exposed.
Most Common Questions About the Mercury Blood test:
Understanding the Mercury Blood Test
What does the Mercury Blood test detect?
The Mercury Blood test detects the level of mercury present in the blood. This test can identify both recent exposure to mercury and ongoing exposure to the metal.
Why would someone need a Mercury Blood test?
This test may be necessary if a person is suspected of being exposed to mercury. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can include sensory impairment, disturbed sensation and lack of coordination. Also, occupations such as dentistry, battery making, and certain types of manufacturing can expose individuals to mercury.
Interpreting Mercury Blood Test Results
What does a positive Mercury Blood test result mean?
A positive result indicates that a significant amount of mercury is present in the blood, which could indicate recent or ongoing exposure to the heavy metal.
What does a negative Mercury Blood test result mean?
A negative result indicates that the level of mercury in the blood is within the normal range. However, it does not completely rule out exposure, especially if the exposure was in the past.
Mercury Blood Test and Specific Health Conditions
How does the Mercury Blood test help in diagnosing mercury poisoning?
If a person has symptoms of mercury poisoning and a history of potential exposure, the Mercury Blood test can confirm the diagnosis by revealing elevated levels of mercury in the blood.
Can the Mercury Blood test help to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for mercury poisoning?
Yes, the Mercury Blood test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for mercury poisoning. Declining mercury levels in the blood would suggest that the treatment is effective.
The Role of the Mercury Blood Test in Treatment Considerations
How might the Mercury Blood test inform treatment decisions for mercury poisoning?
A positive Mercury Blood test result would typically lead to the initiation of treatment, which might include the removal of the source of mercury exposure and the use of certain medications to help remove mercury from the body.
Can the Mercury Blood test be used to assess the risk of potential health effects due to mercury exposure?
Yes, a positive Mercury Blood test indicates that a person has been exposed to a potentially harmful level of mercury and may be at risk for health effects associated with mercury poisoning.
Mercury Blood Test and Other Diagnostic Tools
How does the Mercury Blood test complement other tests for heavy metal exposure?
The Mercury Blood test can be used in conjunction with tests for other heavy metals, such as lead or arsenic, to provide a comprehensive picture of a person's exposure to toxic metals.
What other tests might be ordered alongside the Mercury Blood test?
If a person is suspected of having heavy metal poisoning, other tests might include a complete blood count (CBC), a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and additional tests for specific metals like lead or arsenic, depending on the person's symptoms and exposure history.
Patient Considerations for the Mercury Blood Test
What factors can affect the results of the Mercury Blood test?
Factors that can affect the results of the Mercury Blood test include recent seafood consumption (since seafood can contain mercury), as well as the type, duration, and intensity of mercury exposure.
Who might benefit from the Mercury Blood test?
Individuals who have been exposed to mercury through their occupation, environment, or diet, or who are experiencing symptoms of mercury poisoning, could benefit from this test.
Understanding the Advancements and Limitations of the Mercury Blood Test
What are the potential causes of false negative or false positive Mercury Blood test results?
A false negative result could occur if the test is performed some time after mercury exposure, as mercury levels in the blood decrease over time. False positives are less common but could potentially occur due to lab error.
How have advancements in technology impacted the accuracy of the Mercury Blood test?
Improvements in analytical methods and instrumentation have increased the sensitivity and specificity of the Mercury Blood test, allowing for more accurate detection and quantification of mercury levels in the blood.
What role does the Mercury Blood test play in public health surveillance and interventions?
This test is an important tool for identifying and monitoring cases of mercury exposure, particularly in populations at risk, and for informing public health interventions to prevent or reduce exposure.
What are the current challenges in mercury detection and how does the Mercury Blood test address these challenges?
One challenge in mercury detection is the transient nature of mercury in the blood following exposure. The Mercury Blood test addresses this by providing a means to detect recent and ongoing exposure to the metal.
How has the Mercury Blood test changed the landscape of heavy metal screening and management?
The Mercury Blood test has enabled earlier and more accurate detection of mercury exposure, leading to timely treatment and management of mercury poisoning, which can mitigate potential health effects.
How does the Mercury Blood test fit into the continuum of care for individuals exposed to mercury?
The Mercury Blood test serves as an initial diagnostic tool for individuals suspected of mercury exposure. If the test results are positive, it can lead to intervention and treatment, and ongoing monitoring can assess the effectiveness of these measures.
What potential improvements or advances could enhance the Mercury Blood test in the future?
Future advances might include even more sensitive and precise testing methods, as well as the development of rapid testing technologies that could provide immediate results in field settings.
How does societal awareness and policy regarding mercury exposure affect the use of the Mercury Blood test?
Increased societal awareness of the risks of mercury exposure can lead to greater use of this test, particularly among at-risk populations. Policy interventions, such as restrictions on mercury use in industry, could reduce the need for the test by decreasing exposure risks.
How does the Mercury Blood test contribute to research on mercury exposure and its health effects?
This test provides a means to quantify mercury exposure in human populations, which is crucial data for research studies investigating the health effects of mercury.
How does the Mercury Blood test influence preventive strategies for mercury exposure?
By identifying individuals with mercury exposure, the Mercury Blood test can inform the development and implementation of strategies to prevent further exposure, such as modifications to diet or work practices.
How might the Mercury Blood test evolve with the changing landscape of environmental health?
As our understanding of environmental health risks continues to grow, the Mercury Blood test might be adapted or refined to meet evolving needs, such as detecting lower levels of exposure or different forms of mercury.
How might the Mercury Blood test be utilized in investigations of environmental contamination?
In instances of suspected environmental contamination with mercury, the Mercury Blood test can be used to assess the extent of human exposure, providing key information for public health response and remediation efforts.
How could the Mercury Blood test be part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce health risks associated with mercury exposure?
The Mercury Blood test can identify individuals with mercury exposure, facilitating timely intervention and treatment. It also provides data to inform prevention strategies, such as safer handling practices in industries that use mercury, and dietary recommendations for populations at risk of exposure through seafood consumption.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.