Update Type: Replacement Test
Test Updated: 08/11/2021
Test Overview
Test Methodology

Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)

Test Usage

Detecting mercury toxicity.

Reference Range *

0 - 9 ng/mL

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Saturday
Analytic Time

1 - 3 days

Soft Order Code
MERC
MiChart Code
Mercury, Blood
Synonyms
  • Hg
  • HG-B
  • MERCURY, BLOOD
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo MERC
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Royal blue (trace element) and/or Metal-Free aliquot tubes are available from MLabs (800-862-7284). Collect blood in a royal blue top (trace element) tube with EDTA (K2). Immediately mix blood sample by inverting gently 8 times. Refrigerate and send intact whole blood specimen. Do not collect specimens for trace metal testing from patients who have received gadolinium-, iodine-, or barium-containing contrast material within the past 96 hours. These metal-based contrast agents are known to interfere with laboratory techniques commonly used for trace metals analysis.

Contraindications
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine are known to interfere with most metals tests. If either gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered, a specimen should not be collected for 96 hours.
Normal Volume
6.0 mL whole blood
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL whole blood
Additional Information

Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
83825
Fee Code
33260
LOINC
5685-3