Synonyms

Clinical Indications

Suspected toxicity. Metallic mercury vapour is toxic and inhalation of high concentrations may give rise to pneumonitis and pulmonary oedema. Chronic exposure to lower concentrations causes gingivitis and stomatitis with excessive salivation, headaches and CNS effects.
Ingestion of inorganic mercury salts produces abodominal pain, vomiting and corrosion of mucosal membranes and following absorption, renal tubular necrosis.
There is little evidence of long term hazard to patients from use of mercury in dental amalgam (mixture of metallic mercury and a silver-tin alloy) - see factsheet. However, preparation of such amalgams can be hazardous to dental personnel if insufficient precautions are not taken. Symptoms of long-term exposure may be vague in the form of headaches and irritability.

Request Form 

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black or Blue for GP's)

Availability

Analysed by referral laboratory if specific criteria met.

Specific Criteria

If agreed with Consultant Biochemist

Turnaround Time

One month

Specimen

There are stability problems with mercury in urine so a whole blood sample is preferred.

Container

Lab. Handling

Store at 4C without separation. Send by courier or first class post, early in week.

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample
Not meeting specific criteria for analysis.