Mercury, 24-Hour Urine (Creatinine-Adjusted)
Measures mercury collected over 24 hours, with creatinine adjustment used to account for differences in urine concentration.
["This test can help evaluate exposure to mercury from occupational, environmental, food, or supplement sources."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 52929-7
- Short code
- Mercury/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- Mercury/Creat 24h Ur-sRto
- Category
- kidney
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures the amount of mercury eliminated in urine over a 24-hour period. The result may be adjusted using the urine creatinine level because creatinine varies with age, muscle mass, hydration, and other factors.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test if there is concern about mercury exposure, such as from occupational work, certain contaminated foods or products, traditional remedies, or mercury-containing supplements. It may be used alongside your history, symptoms, and other tests.
How is the test performed?
You collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in the container provided by the laboratory. The urine is then analyzed for mercury, and the laboratory may measure creatinine at the same time to provide a concentration-adjusted result.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions carefully and record when the collection begins and ends. Tell your clinician about any possible mercury exposure, supplements, and recent consumption of fish or shellfish, because these can affect interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated result may indicate increased mercury exposure, but it does not by itself identify the source or establish toxicity. Creatinine adjustment, collection completeness, recent dietary exposure, supplements, and laboratory methods can affect the result. Your clinician will interpret the value in the context of your exposure history and symptoms.
Short name
24-hour urine mercury
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a 24-hour urine test and a spot urine test?
Why is creatinine included in this test?
What can cause an elevated urine mercury result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy