Mercury Poisoning Blood Test

What is Mercury Poisoning (Acute)?

Acute mercury poisoning is a serious condition that occurs when a person is exposed to high levels of mercury in a short period. It is caused by ingestion of contaminated fish, inhalation of mercury vapors from industrial accidents or broken thermometers, or direct contact with mercury-containing products. The Mercury Blood Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures mercury concentration in the bloodstream.

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What causes mercury poisoning?

Mercury poisoning is caused by exposure to elemental mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, or organic mercury like methylmercury. Common sources include eating contaminated fish (especially large predatory fish like shark, swordfish, and tuna), inhaling mercury vapors from broken thermometers or fluorescent bulbs, industrial accidents at mining or manufacturing facilities, and contact with mercury-containing medical devices or traditional medicines. Acute poisoning occurs when exposure happens suddenly at high concentrations, overwhelming the body's ability to eliminate the toxic metal.

What is the best test for mercury poisoning?

The Mercury Blood Test is the most important test for acute mercury poisoning because it directly measures the concentration of mercury in your bloodstream. This test detects recent exposure and provides quantitative data measured in micrograms per liter that helps determine the severity of poisoning. Blood mercury levels above 10 mcg/L indicate significant exposure, while levels above 50 mcg/L suggest severe poisoning requiring immediate medical intervention. For cases involving methylmercury exposure from fish consumption, blood testing is especially valuable because it reflects current body burden and helps guide chelation therapy decisions.

When should I get tested for mercury poisoning?

You should get tested if you experience sudden symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, metallic taste in your mouth, difficulty breathing, or chest pain after known mercury exposure. Testing is also critical if you work in industries that use mercury (mining, manufacturing, dental offices), accidentally break a mercury thermometer or fluorescent bulb in an enclosed space, consume large amounts of fish regularly, or develop unexplained symptoms like tremors, memory problems, skin rashes, or increased heart rate. Early testing allows for prompt treatment with chelating agents that can prevent permanent organ damage.

What are the symptoms of mercury poisoning?
Symptoms of acute mercury poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea within hours of exposure. You might notice a metallic taste in your mouth, excessive salivation, and swollen, bleeding gums. Respiratory symptoms include coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing if vapors were inhaled. Neurological signs include tremors, memory problems, mood changes, and irritability. Skin contact can cause rashes, peeling, and discoloration. Cardiovascular effects include increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure, while kidney damage may cause decreased urine output.
Who is at risk for mercury poisoning?
People at highest risk include workers in industries that use mercury such as mining, chlorine production, thermometer manufacturing, and dental offices. Individuals who consume large amounts of fish, especially large predatory species, face chronic exposure risk. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable because mercury damages developing nervous systems. People who use traditional medicines containing mercury, handle mercury-containing products like old thermometers or fluorescent bulbs, or live near industrial facilities that release mercury emissions are also at elevated risk.
What happens if mercury poisoning is left untreated?
Untreated mercury poisoning can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. The central nervous system suffers irreversible harm, resulting in persistent tremors, memory loss, cognitive impairment, and personality changes. Lung damage from inhaled vapors can cause chronic respiratory problems and reduced lung function. Severe cases may lead to cardiovascular complications, vision and hearing loss, muscle weakness, and coordination problems. In pregnant women, untreated mercury poisoning can cause severe developmental delays, cerebral palsy, and neurological damage in the developing fetus.
Can mercury poisoning be diagnosed with a blood test?
Yes, mercury poisoning can be diagnosed with a blood test that measures mercury concentration in your bloodstream. The Mercury Blood Test is especially effective for detecting recent acute exposure within days to weeks. Blood levels correlate with symptom severity and help doctors decide whether chelation therapy is needed. For chronic exposure assessment, urine tests may also be used, but blood testing remains the gold standard for acute poisoning cases because it reflects current mercury levels and recent exposure more accurately than other testing methods.
How is mercury poisoning treated?
Treatment for acute mercury poisoning involves immediate removal from the exposure source and supportive care including intravenous fluids and medications to control symptoms. Chelation therapy using agents like dimercaprol (BAL), succimer (DMSA), or d-penicillamine binds to mercury and helps eliminate it through urine. Activated charcoal may be given if mercury was recently ingested. Severe cases require hospitalization for monitoring of kidney function, respiratory support, and cardiovascular stabilization. Treatment duration depends on initial mercury levels and symptom severity, with repeat blood tests monitoring elimination progress.
How can I prevent mercury poisoning?
Prevent mercury poisoning by limiting consumption of high-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish to no more than once per week. Handle mercury-containing products carefully and clean up spills with proper protective equipment, never using a vacuum. Choose digital thermometers over mercury ones and dispose of fluorescent bulbs at designated hazardous waste facilities. If you work with mercury, follow all workplace safety protocols including wearing protective equipment and working in well-ventilated areas. Pregnant women and young children should be especially cautious about fish consumption and mercury exposure.
What natural remedies help with mercury poisoning?
While medical chelation therapy is essential for acute mercury poisoning, certain nutrients may support detoxification after the critical phase. Foods rich in selenium like Brazil nuts, garlic, and wild-caught salmon help bind mercury and reduce oxidative stress. Chlorella supplements may bind to mercury in the digestive tract, though evidence is limited. Antioxidants from fruits and vegetables combat free radical damage caused by mercury. Adequate hydration supports kidney function and mercury elimination. However, these natural approaches should never replace medical treatment for acute poisoning and should only be used as complementary support under healthcare provider supervision.
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Long story short:
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  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

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Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
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We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Mercury Blood
Google reviews 505 reviews
$103 $80
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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