Specimen Collection Requirements
Diet, medication, and nutritional supplements may introduce interfering substances. Patient should be encouraged to discontinue nutritional supplements, vitamins, minerals, and non-essential over-the-counter medications (upon the advice of their physician), and avoid shellfish and seafood for 48 to 72 hours.
Whole Blood, one 7 mL royal blue (K2EDTA) or (Na2 EDTA) top tube
Transport whole blood in the original collection tube.
Room temperature (20-25°C). Also acceptable: Refrigerated.
Heparin anticoagulant, frozen specimen
Mercury is volatile; concentration may reduce after 7 or more days in storage.
Testing Information
Quantitative Atomic Absorption/Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Reference Values
Elevated results from noncertified trace element-free collection tubes may be due to contamination. Elevated concentrations of trace elements in blood should be confirmed with a second specimen collected in a tube designed for trace element determinations, such as a royal blue (Na2EDTA) tube.
Last Updated:
Thursday, March 14, 2019 12:50:55 PM
Client Services: 503-413-1234