What is the Mercury (Blood) test?

The Mercury (Blood) test measures the concentration of mercury circulating in the blood. Blood mercury primarily reflects recent exposure, especially to organic mercury (methylmercury), which is commonly absorbed through diet.

Mercury can enter the body through contaminated seafood, occupational exposure, environmental pollution, or accidental exposure. Once absorbed, mercury can affect the nervous system, kidneys, and immune function.

This test is commonly used in toxicology, occupational health, and environmental exposure assessment.

Why do I need a Mercury (Blood) test?

Mercury exposure may cause subtle or non-specific symptoms and can accumulate over time. Blood testing helps confirm whether exposure is occurring.

You may need this test if you:

• Consume large amounts of fish or seafood
• Have neurological symptoms without clear cause
• Experience tremor, numbness, or tingling
• Have memory or concentration difficulties
• Work in environments with potential mercury exposure
• Are concerned about environmental or dietary exposure
• Require monitoring after known exposure

The test helps determine whether symptoms or risks are linked to mercury exposure.

Benefits of the test

1. Assesses recent mercury exposure
   Blood levels reflect current or recent intake.
2. Useful for dietary exposure assessment
   Particularly relevant for high seafood consumption.
3. Supports neurological symptom investigation
   Helps explain unexplained cognitive or sensory symptoms.
4. Used in occupational health screening
   Monitors workplace-related exposure.
5. Simple blood-based testing
   Requires only one blood sample.
6. Widely used in toxicology
   Standard method for mercury assessment.
7. Guides exposure reduction strategies
   Supports dietary and environmental review.
8. Helps prevent long-term toxicity
   Enables early identification and intervention.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• Blood sample taken by a clinician
• Sample sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Mobile phlebotomist attends your location
• Blood sample taken at home or hotel
• No clinic visit required
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Low mercury

• Mercury within reference range
• UK standard (typical): <5 µg/L
• Suggests no significant recent exposure

Moderately elevated mercury

• Above reference range
• UK standard (typical): 5–20 µg/L
• May indicate increased dietary or environmental exposure

High mercury

• Significantly elevated mercury levels
• UK standard: >20 µg/L
• Suggests potentially harmful exposure requiring further assessment

Interpretation should consider diet, occupation, and clinical symptoms.