Skip to content

Mercury/Creatinine Ratio, Urine

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

Measures mercury in urine relative to creatinine, which helps assess exposure to mercury.

Quick summary

["This test can help evaluate whether a person has elevated mercury exposure."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
22680-3
Short code
Mercury/Creat Ur-sRto
Synonyms
Mercury/Creat 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 urine test measures the amount of mercury relative to creatinine, a waste product used to account for differences in urine concentration. It may be used to assess exposure to mercury.

Why might I need this test?

Testing may be recommended for people who work with mercury, have possible environmental exposure, or have symptoms that could be related to mercury exposure. It may also be part of workplace or public-health monitoring.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory. The laboratory measures mercury and creatinine and reports their ratio.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow your clinician or workplace's collection instructions. Tell the healthcare professional about your occupation, possible mercury exposure, recent seafood consumption, and any medicines or supplements you take.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine mercury/creatinine ratio

Frequently asked questions

What does the urine mercury/creatinine ratio measure?
It compares the concentration of mercury in urine with the concentration of creatinine. This adjustment helps account for how concentrated or dilute the urine sample is.
What can cause an elevated result?
Possible causes include occupational exposure, contaminated food or water, certain consumer products, and recent consumption of seafood containing mercury. Your healthcare professional can review these factors with you.
Does one result confirm mercury poisoning?
No. An elevated result may suggest exposure, but symptoms, exposure history, additional testing, and the laboratory's reference interval are needed to determine its clinical significance.
  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