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Mercury and Creatinine Ratio, Urine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test measuring mercury relative to creatinine, which helps account for differences in urine concentration.

Quick summary

["An elevated result may indicate increased mercury exposure, but recent seafood consumption and other factors must be considered."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
110576-6
Short code
Mercury/Creat Msmt Ur
Synonyms
Mercury/Creat Msmt Ur
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 mercury and creatinine in a urine sample. Creatinine is used to help adjust the mercury result for how concentrated the urine is.

Why might I need this test?

A urine mercury test may be ordered to assess exposure to mercury from work, environmental contact, contaminated products, or certain supplements. It may also be used to monitor people who are being evaluated or treated for suspected mercury exposure.

How is the test performed?

You provide a urine sample according to the laboratory's collection instructions. The laboratory measures mercury and creatinine and may report the result as a mercury-to-creatinine ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Fasting is usually not required, but follow any instructions supplied by the laboratory. Tell your clinician about occupational 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 urine mercury result can indicate recent or ongoing mercury exposure. Certain fish and shellfish can temporarily increase urine mercury, so the type and timing of consumption must be considered. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare professional along with exposure history and other findings.

Short name

Urinary mercury-to-creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

Does an elevated result mean I have mercury poisoning?
Not necessarily. It may indicate increased exposure, but recent seafood consumption, supplements, and laboratory factors can also affect the result. Your clinician will interpret it in the context of your health and exposure history.
Why is creatinine included in this test?
Urine concentration can vary from person to person and from visit to visit. Creatinine helps provide a reference for comparing mercury with the amount of creatinine in the same sample.
Do I need to collect a 24-hour urine sample?
The collection method depends on the laboratory's test instructions. Some mercury tests use a single urine sample, while others may require timed or 24-hour collection.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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