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Test Code HGNA Mercury, Nails

Reporting Name

Mercury, Nails

Useful For

Detecting mercury exposure in nail specimens

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Nail


Necessary Information


Indicate source of nails (fingernails or toenails), if known.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565)

Specimen Volume: 0.2 g

Collection Instructions:

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

2. Clippings should be taken from all 10 fingernails or toenails.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.05 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Nail Ambient (preferred)
  Frozen 
  Refrigerated 

Reference Values

0-15 years: Not established

≥16 years: <1.0 mcg/g of nails

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

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.

CPT Code Information

83825

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
HGNA Mercury, Nails 8204-0

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
2509 Mercury, Nails 8204-0
HGNSC Specimen Source 31208-2

Clinical Information

Once absorbed and circulating, mercury becomes bound to numerous proteins, including keratin. The concentration of mercury in nails correlates with the severity of clinical symptoms.

Interpretation

Normally, nails contain less than 1 mcg/g of mercury; any amount more than this indicates that exposure to more than normal amounts of mercury may have occurred.

Method Description

The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Reject Due To

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

Method Name

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Secondary ID

89856