Mercury, whole blood Blood Test
Item # LC085324
Measures whole blood mercury to assess organic mercury exposure

Mercury, whole blood Blood Test
Item # LC085324
Measures whole blood mercury to assess organic mercury exposure
Mercury is a toxic element that has no known use in the body. To evaluate possible recent organic mercury exposure, whole blood mercury testing, as opposed to measurement of mercury in serum or plasma, is the preferred method of testing.
Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in the air, water, and soil and exists in 3 different forms: organic, inorganic, and elemental. Pure mercury is a liquid metal and has traditionally been used to make products like thermometers. While the solid elemental form is poorly absorbed in the gut, mercury in vapor form is particularly well absorbed by the lungs. Mercury exposure at high levels can harm nerve tissue, brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and the immune system. The three telltale signs of significant mercury poisoning are impaired speech, lack of coordination of movements, and impairment of peripheral vision.1
Coal-burning power plants are the largest human-caused source of mercury emissions in the United States. Mercury is found in coal, and when burned, is released into the environment. This mercury eventually settles into water or onto land where it can be washed into water. Fish and shellfish are the main sources of methylmercury exposure to humans. Methylmercury is extremely well absorbed when fish or shellfish contaminated with mercury are consumed. The levels of methylmercury in fish and shellfish depend on what they eat, how long they live, and how high they are in the food chain. Generally, the larger and longer lived fish (tuna, shark, swordfish) have the highest levels of methylmercury.1
Whole blood mercury testing is strongly preferred over serum/plasma mercury testing. Whole blood mercury testing is a good indicator of recent organic mercury (e.g. methylmercury) exposure, with 70-95% bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells with a half-life of around 50 days.2 The major excretory route for methylmercury (about 90%) is through the bile (and thus the stool), and would show on a fecal heavy metal test for mercury.
Instructions
Fasting is not required for this test. Take all medications as prescribed.
References
1. Source: https://www.medicinenet.com/mercury_poisoning/article.htm#where_you_live
Accessed April 2018
2. Kershaw, TG; Clarkson, TW; Dhahir, PH. (1980) The relationship between blood levels
and the dose of methylmercury in man. Arch Environ Health 35(1):28-36.
The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of National Diagnostics, Inc and Life Extension to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Both the physician and the testing laboratory are independent contractors with whom National Diagnostics, Inc makes arrangements for your blood tests. Neither National Diagnostics, Inc or Life Extension will be liable for any acts or omissions of the physician, the testing laboratory, or their agents or employees.
Why Life Extension?
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Full one-year, no-hassle returns, money-back guarantee.
Highly Recommended
98% of our customers recommend us to family and friends. Life Extension is proud to be recognized as the #1 Catalog/Internet Brand 4 Time Winner.†
Complimentary, Personalized Guidance
Medical doctors, nutritionists & other health professionals are passionate about providing personalized solutions to help you achieve optimal health.
Efficacious Formulas
40 years of research dedicated to bringing you premium, scientifically-validated formulations.
Product Transparency
99% of our products are manufactured in the U.S, and a Certificate of Analysis is available for every product we produce.
Product reviews are provided for informational purposes only and reflect solely the views and opinions expressed by the contributors and not those of Life Extension. We do not verify or endorse any claims made in these reviews. Please read the full product reviews disclaimer.