About Our Mercury Test
Purpose of the Test
The purpose of a mercury test is to measure the amount of mercury in your body and evaluate possible exposure. Mercury exposure can occur through environmental sources, certain foods such as fish, and occupational settings where mercury is used. Because exposure is not always obvious, testing may be used to identify elevated mercury levels before symptoms become noticeable.
A test for mercury toxicity may be ordered for several reasons, including:
- Evaluating suspected mercury exposure from environmental, dietary, or occupational sources
- Monitoring individuals who work in industries where mercury exposure is possible
- Assessing ongoing or past exposure based on symptoms or risk factors
- Tracking blood mercury levels over time to evaluate changes in exposure
In some cases, more than one type of test may be used to better understand the timing and type of exposure.
What Does Our Mercury Test Measure?
Mercury is found in the Earth’s crust and can be released environmentally through volcanoes, rock erosion, and coal burning. Power plants that burn coal account for 44% of all manmade mercury emissions. A mercury test measures the concentration of mercury in a sample of blood, urine, or sometimes hair. The type of sample used depends on the form of mercury involved and when the exposure occurred.
Mercury exists in several forms. Each form behaves differently in the body, which is why different test methods are used. These include:
- Methylmercury (organic mercury): This form is most commonly found in fish and other seafood. Inorganic mercury salts can attach to airborne particles and be deposited by rainfall or snow. It may then recycle as a gas or in particles to redeposit elsewhere. Through the recycling process, it may combine with carbon (via bacteria) and convert it to organic mercury, the most common mercury compound in the environment. Blood tests are typically used to detect recent exposure to methylmercury.
- Metallic (elemental) mercury: This metallic form is also known as quicksilver. It is often associated with occupational exposure or from materials such as certain instruments or industrial products (fluorescent light bulbs and some electrical switches). Urine tests are commonly used to evaluate exposure to metallic mercury.
- Inorganic mercury: Found in some industrial and chemical products, such as skin-lightening soaps and creams, photographic reagents, certain antiseptics, wood preservatives, and fungicides. This form is also typically measured using urine testing.
A blood mercury level reflects more recent exposure, while urine testing may provide information about exposure to certain forms of mercury over time. In some situations, hair testing may be used to evaluate past exposure to methylmercury, typically through fish consumption. Since hair grows relatively slowly, a timeline can be established in analyzing various segments of hair. It is used less frequently as it does not identify current, short-term levels of mercury.
Mercury can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. Once absorbed, it may be distributed to organs such as the brain and kidneys. The amount of mercury detected in blood or urine depends on the type of mercury, the level of exposure, and how recently exposure occurred.A health care provider can help determine which type of testing is most appropriate.
When Should I Get a Mercury Test?
Mercury testing may be recommended when there is a risk of exposure or when symptoms suggest elevated mercury levels. Many people with mercury exposure may not have clear or immediate symptoms, so testing is often based on risk factors, environmental exposure, or occupational history. If you aren’t sure how to know if you have mercury poisoning, testing is typically based on a combination of symptoms and potential exposure.
Symptoms of mercury exposure can vary depending on the type and duration of exposure. Mothers who eat fish and shellfish may be exposing their unborn child to methylmercury, which may affect the infant’s brain and nervous system. Testing may be appropriate if you experience symptoms of too much mercury, particularly those associated with short-term (acute) exposure, such as:
- Burning sensations in the mouth or lungs
- Cough, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing
- Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort
- Fever or chills
- Headache or dizziness
- Increased heart rate
With longer-term (chronic) exposure, symptoms may be more gradual and affect multiple body systems. Testing may be appropriate if you experience:
- Primarily causes neurological and behavioral problems
- Changes in hearing, taste, or smell
- Blurred or tunnel vision
- Tingling, numbness, or tremors in the hands or feet
- Difficulty walking or coordination problems
- Irritability or mood changes
- Memory or concentration difficulties
Testing may also be considered even without high levels of mercury symptoms in certain situations, including:
- Known or suspected exposure to mercury in the home, workplace, or environment
- Regular consumption of fish or seafood that may contain elevated mercury levels
- Working in industries where mercury exposure is possible
- Monitoring ongoing exposure in occupational settings
A health care provider can help evaluate your risk and recommend next steps.
Finding a Mercury Test
How to Get Tested
If you’re wondering how to test for mercury poisoning or even how to test for mercury poisoning from fillings, testing is typically done using a blood or urine sample ordered by a health care provider. These tests are sometimes referred to as mercury toxicity tests and are available at doctors’ offices, medical clinics, hospitals, and laboratories.
Depending on the type of exposure being evaluated, your provider may recommend a blood test, urine test, or both. If the source of toxicity is unclear, a heavy metal test may be ordered that typically looks for mercury, as well as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead.
Can I Take the Test at Home?
An at-home mercury test may be available, but these tests typically require a sample to be collected by a trained professional or returned to a laboratory for analysis. A health care provider can help determine if a mercury test kit is appropriate based on your symptoms and exposure history.
How Much Does the Test Cost?
The cost of a test for mercury toxicity depends on where the test is performed, the type of sample collected, and whether the test is ordered as part of a broader panel. When prescribed by a health care provider, testing may be covered by insurance, although you may still be responsible for costs such as copays or deductibles. A doctor’s office, laboratory, or insurance provider can provide more information about potential out-of-pocket costs.
Taking a Mercury Test
A mercury test requires a blood or urine sample, depending on the type of exposure being evaluated. Blood tests are commonly used to assess recent exposure to certain forms of mercury, while urine tests may be used to evaluate exposure over a longer period. A health care provider can determine which type of test is most appropriate based on your symptoms and exposure history.
Before the Test
Preparation for a mercury test may vary depending on the type of sample being collected. In some cases, you may be asked to avoid certain foods, such as fish or seafood, for several days before testing, as these can temporarily affect mercury levels.
You may also be asked about potential sources of exposure, including your diet, workplace, or use of products that may contain mercury. Follow any instructions provided by your health care provider before the test.
During the Test
For a blood test, a sample is collected from a vein in your arm. For a urine test, you may be asked to provide a single sample or collect urine over a 24-hour period, depending on the type of testing being performed. The process typically takes only a few minutes for blood collection, while urine collection may take longer if multiple samples are required.
After the Test
After a blood sample is collected, you can usually return to your normal activities right away. You may have mild soreness or bruising at the collection site, but this typically resolves quickly. Urine tests do not usually have any side effects or recovery time.
Results are often available within a few business days. If your mercury levels are elevated, follow-up testing or additional evaluation may be recommended to help identify the source of exposure and monitor changes over time.