A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Mercury, Blood
Test CodeMERCB
Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB831
Quest: 636
CPT Codes
83825
Preferred Specimen
4 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (royal blue-top) tube
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Whole blood collected in a sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube
Instructions
Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid worksite collection.
Note: Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube/container (non-acid washed) may not accurately reflect the patient's level. If a non-trace element tube/container is received, it will be accepted for testing. However, elevated results shall be reported with a message that re-submission with a trace element tube/container is recommended.
Note: Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube/container (non-acid washed) may not accurately reflect the patient's level. If a non-trace element tube/container is received, it will be accepted for testing. However, elevated results shall be reported with a message that re-submission with a trace element tube/container is recommended.
Transport Container
Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (cold packs)
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Clotted specimens
Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: Next day
Reference Range
≤10 mcg/L
Clinical Significance
Mercury, a highly toxic metal, is present in select industrial environments and in contaminated ocean fish.
Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153
Last Updated: September 29, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, September 29, 2023