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General
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Clinical Use:
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Random urine is the preferred sample for occupational and toxicity screening. For occupational exposure, collection at end of work week is preferred. The method measures total mercury, which includes elemental, inorganic and organic mercury. Ingestion and skin contact do not pose a significant route of entry for inorganic mercury, but they are the main route of entry for the organic forms, such as methylmercury. Irrespective of the chemical form of mercury present, diligent hygiene practice is essential to minimise overall exposure and prevent it entering the body. Once absorbed, mercury is distributed throughout the body, with the majority accumulating in the kidneys and brain. Mercury has a biological half-life of about 60 days, with most being excreted in urine. |
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Availability:
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Samples are batched and tested once a week. |
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Code:
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HG |
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Handling Instructions (to laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
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Hyperlink:
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Reference Interval:
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<51 nmol/L
Occupational exposure limits <75 nmol/L collected at the end of the work week
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Collection Requirements
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Container:
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Trace Element EDTA (NAVY), |
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Sample Type:
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See container |
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Minimum Collection Volume:
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1mL |
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Collection Instructions:
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Processing Requirements
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Alternate Containers:
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EDTA (LAVENDER) |
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Lithium Heparin, No Gel (DKGNLITH) |
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Processing Instructions:
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Do not centrifuge sample. |
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Minimum Assay Volume:
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200uL |
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Stability:
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2 weeks chilled |
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Transport Instructions (to testing laboratory):
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Send sample chilled. |
Testing Locations
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Performed at:
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Section
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Department
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Site
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Contact Phone
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| Special Chemistry |
Biochemistry |
QEII Medical Centre |
6383 4114 |
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Last Updated : 08-10-2020 13:27 |