Mercury Urine Test, Random

The mercury urine test is used to detect an excess of mercury. It is ordered to determine if there has been an acute or chronic exposure to high levels of mercury similar to the mercury blood test. The mercury urine test detects the level of inorganic mercury in the body. The mercury urine test cannot detect the levels of methyl mercury.

The mercury urine test is generally ordered when a patient exhibits either acute or chronic symptoms.

Acute symptoms include:

• Burning in the mouth and lungs

• Coughing and difficulty breathing

• Decreased urine volume

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Increased heart rate

Chronic symptoms include:

• Problems with hearing, tasting, and smelling

• Blurry vision and tunnel vision

• Tingling or shaking of the arms or legs

• Difficulty walking