Mercury
- Description
- Mercury by ICP-MS
- Clinical details
- Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential metal that has the unique property of being a liquid with a measurable vapour pressure at ambient temperature. Mercury exists in elemental, inorganic [Hg(I), Hg(II)) and organic (e.g. methylated forms). Absorption of elemental and inorganic mercury is negligible when ingested and relatively harmless. However, greater than 80% of elemental mercury is absorbed when inhaled, which may give rise to pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. In contrast > 90% of organic mercury is absorbed from the intestine and phenyl mercury is absorbed through the skin. Toxicity from organic mercury usually manifests as CNS disturbances (e.g. ataxia, muscle weakness, tremor). Organic mercury is found in fish and bioaccumulates in the food chain, therefore large predatory fish (e.g. tuna, swordfish) may have high concentrations of organic mercury in their tissues. If exposure to elemental or inorganic mercury is suspected urine is the preferred sample. Conversely if exposure to organic mercury is suspected, a blood sample is preferred, if there is doubt a blood sample should be sent. The preservative, thiomersal should not be used.
- Reference range
Urine Mercury: For 24 H : < 50 nmol/24 H
For Random urine: <5nmol/mmol creatinine Blood Mercury: <50 nmol/L
- Synonyms
- Mercury
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Reference Services : King's College Hospital
- Laboratory
- Trace Elements
- Sample type and volume required
- 2ml EDTA whole blood, 20 ml urine (Portion of 24 hour collection [acid-washed bottle] in sterile universal, record total volume on sample tube or request form). Random urine collection in 25ml Sterilin Universal containers
- Call in advance
- No
- Special sample instructions
Send samples promptly to avoid loss of mercury on storage
- Storage and transport
- Stable at 4°C. Send by overnight first class post.
- Turnaround time
- 10 working days
- Contacts
Toxicology Department at King’s Hospital
Phone: 020 3299 5881
Email: kch-tr.toxicology@nhs.net
King’s College Hospital
Bessemer Wing – 3rd Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RSTrace Elements Laboratory at King’s College Hospital
Phone: 020 3299 3008
Email: kishor.raja@nhs.net
King’s College Hospital
Bessemer Wing – Top Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS