What is the Mercury (Urine) test?

The Mercury (Urine) test measures the amount of mercury eliminated through the kidneys. Urine testing primarily reflects inorganic mercury exposure, such as that from occupational sources, environmental contact, or dental materials.

Unlike blood mercury, which reflects recent organic mercury intake (mainly from seafood), urine mercury provides insight into chronic exposure and renal excretion. This makes it especially valuable in occupational health and toxicology assessment.

The test can be performed on a spot urine sample or a 24-hour collection, depending on clinical context.

Why do I need a Mercury (Urine) test?

Inorganic mercury exposure may cause long-term health effects and may not be obvious on blood testing alone.

You may need this test if you:

• Work in environments with mercury exposure

• Have occupational or environmental exposure concerns

• Experience tremor, irritability, or memory issues

• Have kidney-related symptoms

• Need monitoring after known exposure

• Have dental or industrial exposure history

• Require chronic exposure assessment

The test helps determine whether mercury is being absorbed and excreted by the body.

Benefits of the test

1. Assesses inorganic mercury exposure
   Best test for non-dietary mercury sources.

2. Supports occupational health screening
   Commonly used for workplace monitoring.

3. Evaluates kidney excretion
   Reflects renal handling of mercury.

4. Useful in chronic exposure assessment
   Identifies long-term accumulation.

5. Non-invasive testing
   Requires a urine sample.

6. Complements blood mercury testing
   Provides a fuller exposure picture.

7. Guides exposure reduction strategies
   Supports environmental and workplace review.

8. Helps prevent long-term toxicity
   Enables early detection and follow-up.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Receive urine collection instructions

• Provide a urine sample

• Sample sent to the laboratory

• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel collection (+£60, UK-wide)

• Urine collection kit provided

• Sample collected at home or hotel

• Sample returned for laboratory analysis

Your results explained

Low mercury

• Mercury within reference range

• UK standard (typical): <5 µg/L (or creatinine-adjusted equivalent)

• Suggests no significant inorganic exposure

Moderately elevated mercury

• Above reference range

• UK standard (typical): 5–20 µg/L

• May indicate increased environmental or occupational exposure

High mercury

• Significantly elevated mercury levels

• UK standard: >20 µg/L

• Suggests potentially harmful exposure requiring further evaluation

Results may be creatinine-adjusted; reference ranges can vary by laboratory.