Mercury, Blood Test
A mercury blood test measures the amount of mercury present in a blood sample. Clinicians use it in the context of possible exposure to help evaluate that situation, read alongside a person's history and circumstances rather than as an answer on its own.
About this test
Mercury is a metal that can enter the body in small amounts through diet, environment, or certain occupational settings. A mercury blood test measures how much mercury is present in a sample at the time of the draw. Because a blood measurement reflects a particular window of time, clinicians consider it as one piece of information about recent or ongoing exposure rather than a complete history.
The mercury blood test is done with a blood draw at a Quest patient service center. A phlebotomist collects a sample from a vein, usually in the arm, and the sample goes to the laboratory. Some collection or preparation details can apply, so people follow any instructions their ordering clinician provides. The result is read by a clinician in the context of exposure history, symptoms, and any other markers ordered alongside it.
Who commonly orders it
People who order a mercury blood test are often looking into a possible exposure — for example, from diet, hobbies, work, or living environment — or following up on a clinician's suggestion. Others include it as part of a broader look at metals when circumstances point that way. Because a mercury result depends heavily on context and timing, it is most useful when a clinician who knows the full situation helps interpret it, rather than being read on its own.
What this test looks at
This test measures the amount of mercury in a blood sample at the moment it is collected. It reflects a specific window of time, which is why a clinician considers when the sample was taken relative to any suspected exposure.
It also helps to remember what the test is not. A single measurement describes what is in the sample, not the whole story of an exposure, so a clinician may look at history, symptoms, and sometimes additional testing to build a fuller picture.
Why context and timing matter
A mercury measurement means the most when it is read alongside how someone might have been exposed. Diet, work, hobbies, and environment all shape what a result suggests, and the same measurement can carry different meaning for different people. Because levels can change as an exposure starts, continues, or ends, timing is an important part of how a clinician reads the result.
What to expect at your visit
No appointment is usually needed. People can walk into a Quest patient service center during open hours, and the draw itself is quick. A phlebotomist collects a small sample from a vein in the arm, and most visits wrap up in a few minutes. Once the laboratory completes its analysis, results are posted to the account, where they can be reviewed and shared with a clinician.
Your results
Results will be emailed securely to you as a PDF.
One-time price · physician order included · no insurance needed
Prefer a fuller panel?
A curated bundle groups this test with the markers clinicians most often review alongside it — often better value than single tests.
Frequently asked questions
What does a mercury blood test measure?+–
It measures the amount of mercury present in a blood sample at the time of the draw. Clinicians use this in the context of possible exposure, interpreted alongside a person's history and circumstances.
Why is context so important for this test?+–
A mercury result means the most when read alongside how someone might have been exposed, such as through diet, work, hobbies, or environment. The same measurement can carry different meaning depending on that context.
Does timing affect a mercury blood test?+–
It can. A blood sample reflects a specific window of time, and levels can change as an exposure starts, continues, or ends. A clinician considers when the sample was taken relative to any suspected exposure.
How is the sample collected?+–
Through a blood draw at a Quest patient service center. A phlebotomist takes a small sample from a vein in the arm and sends it to the laboratory.
Can this test diagnose mercury poisoning on its own?+–
No. A mercury result is a data point that a clinician interprets alongside exposure history, symptoms, and other markers. It helps inform a conversation rather than establishing a diagnosis on its own.
How much is a Mercury Blood test?+–
$115, paid once at checkout. The price includes the physician's order this test requires and sample collection at any of 2,300+ Quest patient service centers nationwide.