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Test Code HGHAR Mercury, Hair

Reporting Name

Mercury, Hair

Useful For

Detecting mercury exposure in hair specimens

Method Name

Triple-Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Hair


Necessary Information


Indicate source of hair (axillary, head, or pubic) if known.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565)

Source: Head, beard, mustache, chest, pubic

Specimen Volume: 0.2 g

Collection Instructions: Prepare and transport specimen per the instructions in the kit or see Collecting Hair and Nails for Metals Testing.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.05 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Hair Ambient (preferred)
  Frozen 
  Refrigerated 

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Reference Values

0-15 years: Not established

≥16 years: <1.0 mcg/g of hair

Day(s) Performed

Wednesday

CPT Code Information

83825

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HGHAR Mercury, Hair 5686-1

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
31900 Mercury, Hair 5686-1
HGHSC Specimen Source 31208-2

Clinical Information

Once absorbed and circulating, mercury becomes bound to numerous proteins, including keratin. The concentration of mercury in hair correlates with the severity of clinical symptoms. If the hair can be segregated by length, such an exercise may be useful in identifying the time of exposure.

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Report Available

2 to 14 days