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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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MERCURY, 24-HOUR URINE

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2661    Geisinger Epic ID:  6840

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

24-hour urine


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

15 mL aliquot of 24-hour urine in a metal-free, acid-washed container; minimum 3 mL.


Special notes: 

To avoid contamination, use powder-free gloves. Mix well. Estimate total collection volume from 24-hour urine container. Remove required aliquot. Record total volume on both aliquot tube and request slip (if applicable).


Patient preparation: 

Patient should refrain from eating predatory fish, such as swordfish, tuna, and shark, for at least 3 days before specimen collection.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Transport temperature: 

Refrigerated.


Specimen stability: 

Room Temperature: 2 days. Refrigerated: 5 days. Frozen: 2 weeks.


Rejection criteria: 

Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

20 ug/L or less. Detection limit, 24-Hour Urine 4 ug/L.


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Toxic 150 ug/L or greater.
Additional information: 

Turnaround time: 3 days.


CPT code(s):  83825
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Mercury level in 24-hour urine specimen.


Methodology: 
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 36441, MER24, HG


Review Date:  11/28/2024

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