Southwest · Mercury, Urine Test
Mercury, Urine Test in New Mexico
Below is a plain-language overview of the mercury, urine test. A Mercury, Urine Test measures the amount of mercury excreted in urine, helping assess recent or ongoing exposure to certain forms of mercury.
Lab requirements in New Mexico
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Mercury, Urine Test in NM. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- Specific preparation instructions are provided by the collection lab and may include avoiding certain foods or medications beforehand. Always follow the lab's instructions exactly to ensure…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This test analyzes a urine sample to detect and measure mercury levels. It is typically used to evaluate exposure to inorganic mercury or elemental mercury vapor. The test does not diagnose any condition on its own; results are interpreted by a clinician alongside other findings.
What it measures
- Urine mercury concentration — Reflects the amount of mercury being excreted in urine at the time of collection.
- Creatinine (if measured) — Used to adjust mercury levels for urine dilution, helping account for how concentrated the sample is.
- Collection type — Indicates whether the sample was a spot collection or a timed collection, which affects interpretation.
What the test involves
You will provide a urine sample, usually by urinating into a sterile cup at a collection site. In some cases, a 24-hour urine collection may be requested, which involves collecting all urine over a full day.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test if there is concern about workplace, environmental, or dietary exposure to mercury. It can also be used to monitor levels in people who have known exposure or symptoms that might be related to mercury.
Preparation
Specific preparation instructions are provided by the collection lab and may include avoiding certain foods or medications beforehand. Always follow the lab's instructions exactly to ensure accurate results.
How results are reported
Results are reported as a concentration of mercury in urine, often in micrograms per liter or micrograms per gram of creatinine. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by the type of collection, so your clinician will interpret your result in the context of your health and exposure history.
Before you go
- Whether a spot or timed urine collection is required
- Any dietary or medication restrictions before the test
- How and when results will be shared with you
Cities
Mercury, Urine Test in New Mexico communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.