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HelpTest ID HGNA Mercury, Nails
Reporting Name
Mercury, NailsUseful For
Detecting mercury exposure in nail specimens
Specimen Type
NailNecessary 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
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.
Clinical Reference
1. Marques RC, Dorea JG, Bastos WR, Malm O. Changes in children hair-Hg concentrations during the first 5 years: maternal, environmental and iatrogenic modifying factors. Reg Toxicol Pharmacol. 2007;49(1):17-24
2. Canuel R, de Grosbois SB, Atikesse L, et al. New evidence on variations of human body burden of methylmercury from fish consumption. Environ Health Perspect 2006;114(2):302-306
3. Strathmann FG, Blum LM: Toxic elements. In: Nader R, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 44
Method Description
The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Report Available
2 to 8 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.NY State Approved
NoMethod Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements.