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Test Category: Specialist Biochemistry

Investigation Name:Mercury -Blood

Alias or Abbreviation:Hg

Accreditation:UKAS ISO15189: 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:nmol/L

Minimum Sample Volume:200 µL whole blood

Expected Turnaround Time:10 days.
Urgent analysis where clinically indicated may be arranged directly with the laboratory.

Test Code:HG

Sample Type:

Preferred: EDTA whole blood
Accepted: Trace element free sodium heparin whole blood
Note: Plasma/serum is NOT suitable.

Complex Reference Range:<25 nmol/L

Collection Conditions / Other Information:We are a designated Supra-Regional Assay Service (SAS) Laboratory for Trace Elements.

Referred to Another Laboratory?No

Storage Requirements:Store at 4 °C prior to dispatch

Posting Address / Requirements:Ambient temperature, 1st Class post,
Sandwell Health Campus,
Specialist Chemistry,
Pathology Department,
Lyndon B71 4HJ

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