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Test & Collection Guide

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Mercury

Alternate names:
Hg
Laboratory:
Referred Test
Test Code:
HGBL
Specimen types:
Blood
Container types:
Trace metal tube ( Dark blue )Trace metal tube ( Dark blue )
Collection Instructions:
Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Do not spin. Send as Whole Blood

Minimum Adult Volume:
2 mL
Paediatric Minimum Volume:
1 mL
Notes:

For specimen types other than blood consult Pathology staff.

Frequency:
Weekly
Result Turnaround Time:
7-10 days
Reference Interval:

Blood mercury should only be measured if an acute exposure has occurred within the last three to 20 days (1). For chronic exposure Urine Mercury is preferred.
Individuals who have mild exposure during work, such as dentists, may routinely have whole blood mercury levels up to 75 nmol/L.
For occupational exposure the total inorganic mercury in blood at end of the shift at end of work week should be less than 75 nmol/L (1).

Eating seafood may interfere with the blood test results.
Safe Work Australia. Mercury.In: Hazardous chemicals requiring health monitoring [Internet].   Safe Work Australia. 2013. [cited 2016 Aug 25]. pp 121-130. Available from:

http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/about/Publications/Documents/765/Hazardous-chemicals-requiring-health-monitoring.pdf

 

Laboratory Use Only

  

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

 

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form  

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide 
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions 

 

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