Mercury, 24-Hour Urine [36441]

Message

For Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.

Test Code

MERCUR

Alias/See Also

36441

CPT Codes
83825

Includes

CPT code 81050 may be added at an additional charge for volume measurement

Preferred Specimen

7 mL aliquot of a well-mixed 24-hour urine collected in an acid-washed or metal-free container

Patient Preparation
Avoid seafood consumption for 48 hours prior to collection.

Minimum Volume

3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non-acid washed/non metal-free container 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.

Instructions

Avoid worksite collection. Collect urine in an acid-washed or metal-free plastic container.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 14 days

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: 1-2 days

Reference Range

Reference Range	≤20 mcg/L
Toxic	≥150 mcg/L

Clinical Significance

Mercury, a highly toxic metal, is present in select industrial environments and in contaminated ocean fish. Urinary measurements are appropriate for assessing ongoing exposure to inorganic mercury.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: November 30, 2021

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.