Test library
Mercury Level Test
The Mercury Blood Test measures mercury in the blood to help assess recent exposure to this heavy metal. Mercury can come from fish, dental materials, or workplace and environmental sources.
Order Mercury, Blood Test
Order online and visit a local collection site, or choose an at-home kit where available. No referral and no insurance required.
Order Mercury, Blood Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $196
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Mercury Blood Test measures the amount of mercury in the blood. Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs in different forms, including methylmercury from fish and inorganic mercury from industrial sources or dental materials. Blood testing is used to assess recent exposure, often alongside other metal tests. Results are interpreted with the person's diet, work environment, and symptoms.
What this test measures
Mercury enters the body through food, air, or skin contact, and the form of mercury influences how it behaves. Methylmercury, found in some fish, is absorbed efficiently and can accumulate over time. Inorganic and elemental mercury are more often linked to occupational settings, certain dental materials, or specific products. Blood levels generally reflect exposure over the recent period rather than a lifetime.
Whole blood is commonly used for mercury testing, and some laboratories can measure different forms separately. Urine testing is often used to assess inorganic mercury exposure, while blood is preferred for methylmercury. Iron status and other metals such as lead or arsenic may be measured at the same time when a broader exposure evaluation is needed.
People may order this test after a known or suspected exposure, when a workplace program requires monitoring, or when symptoms raise concern about metal exposure. A qualified healthcare provider interprets the result with the exposure history, dietary habits, and other test findings. The test is not a stand-alone diagnosis.
- Mercury (whole blood)
- Mercury (serum) when reported
- Methylmercury when speciation is included
- Lead when part of a metal panel
- Arsenic when part of a metal panel
- Cadmium when part of a metal panel
- Complete blood count components when included
- Kidney function markers when included
Why people order this test
- Assess recent exposure to mercury from food or the environment
- Support workplace monitoring for metal exposure
- Follow up on symptoms that may relate to heavy metals
- Combine mercury with other metal tests in one evaluation
- Compare blood results with urine testing when advised
How to prepare
Follow the laboratory's instructions. Some orders ask for a short break from certain types of fish before collection, so check your paperwork. Tell the collection staff about your diet, dental work, and any occupational exposure.
Understanding your results
Results are typically available within one to three business days, though specialized testing may take longer. Blood levels reflect recent exposure, and a qualified healthcare provider interprets the value with your diet, work, and other findings. They can discuss whether follow-up testing is needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why test mercury in blood?
Blood testing helps assess recent exposure to mercury, especially methylmercury from fish. It is one part of a full exposure evaluation.
Is blood better than urine for mercury testing?
Each has strengths. Blood reflects recent exposure and is often used for methylmercury, while urine is commonly used to assess inorganic mercury.
Can eating fish affect my result?
Yes. Fish intake can influence mercury levels. Your provider may ask about your diet when interpreting the result.
Do dental fillings affect mercury levels?
Some dental materials contain mercury, and this can be part of the exposure picture. Discuss your dental history with your provider.
What happens if my result is elevated?
A qualified healthcare provider reviews your exposure sources and may recommend repeat testing or other steps. Do not make changes based on the result alone.
Ready to get tested?
Order online and visit a collection site near you, or choose a mail-in kit. No referral and no insurance required.
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