Test library
Mercury Urine Excretion Test
The Mercury Urine Test measures mercury excreted in urine to help assess exposure to inorganic and elemental forms of this heavy metal, often in workplace or dental settings.
Order Mercury, Urine 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, Urine Test- Typical turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Starting price
- From $229
- Results
- Confidential, online
Quick answer
The Mercury Urine Test measures how much mercury leaves the body through urine. Urine testing is most useful for inorganic and elemental mercury exposure, such as that occurring in certain workplaces or from dental materials. It is often ordered alongside a blood mercury test so the two views can be compared. Results are interpreted with the person's exposure history and other findings.
What this test measures
Mercury occurs in different forms, and the body handles each differently. Methylmercury from fish is measured mainly in blood, while inorganic and elemental mercury are more often assessed in urine because the kidneys clear these forms. A urine result therefore gives information about a particular side of exposure rather than a complete picture on its own.
The sample may be a random collection or a timed collection, depending on the order. For a timed collection, all urine produced during the period is saved and the laboratory reports both concentration and total amount when the volume is measured. Specimen validity checks such as creatinine and specific gravity help confirm the collection is complete and usable.
People may order this test for workplace monitoring, after a known or suspected exposure, or to follow up on abnormal blood results. A qualified healthcare provider interprets urine mercury with the timing and route of exposure, kidney function, and any symptoms. The test is not a stand-alone diagnosis.
- Mercury in urine
- 24-hour urine volume when a timed collection is used
- Urine creatinine
- Specific gravity
- Blood mercury when paired
- Lead and arsenic when a metal panel is included
- Kidney function markers when included
Why people order this test
- Assess inorganic or elemental mercury exposure through urinary excretion
- Follow up on an abnormal blood mercury result
- Support workplace monitoring for metal exposure
- Pair urine and blood results for a fuller exposure picture
- Add mercury to a broader heavy metal evaluation
How to prepare
Follow the laboratory's instructions carefully. A timed collection requires saving all urine for the full period and storing it as directed. For a random sample, a fresh specimen is collected at the laboratory.
Understanding your results
Results are typically available within one to three business days after the sample reaches the laboratory, and send-out testing may take longer. Urine levels reflect how the body is clearing mercury, and a qualified healthcare provider interprets the value with the exposure history and other findings.
Mercury Urine Excretion Test by state
Alabama
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Alabama.
Alaska
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Alaska.
Arizona
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Arkansas
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Arkansas.
California
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across California.
Colorado
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Colorado.
Connecticut
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Connecticut.
Delaware
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Delaware.
Florida
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Florida.
Georgia
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Georgia.
Hawaii
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Hawaii.
Idaho
Mercury Urine Excretion Test across Idaho.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why measure mercury in urine instead of blood?
Urine is often used for inorganic and elemental mercury because the kidneys clear these forms. Blood is commonly used for methylmercury from fish.
Do I need a 24-hour collection?
Some orders use a random sample and others use a timed collection. The instructions on your laboratory order specify which type is required.
What can affect a urine mercury result?
Recent exposure, kidney function, collection completeness, and contamination during sampling can all influence the result. Follow the collection instructions closely.
Can I eat and drink normally before the test?
Unless the laboratory instructs otherwise, normal habits are usually fine. Follow the specific instructions provided for your collection.
Does a high result mean I have a health problem?
It indicates that mercury excretion was elevated at the time of collection. A qualified healthcare provider determines what that means in the context of your exposure and health.
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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