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HelpTest Code HGNA Mercury, Nails
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
NailNecessary Information
Indicate source of nails (fingernails or toenails), if known.
Specimen Required
Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565)
Source: Fingernails or toenails
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nail | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Frozen | ||
| Refrigerated | ||
Reference Values
0-15 years: Not established
≥16 years: <1.0 mcg/g of nails
Day(s) Performed
Wednesday
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.
Report Available
2 to 14 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Method Name
Triple-Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)