What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your mercury level means for your neurological health and overall well-being. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary changes (avoiding certain fish), detoxification strategies, or whether you should consider chelation therapy. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your mercury levels over time using our trends feature to see if your exposure reduction efforts are working.

When will I get my results?

You can expect to receive your mercury blood test results within 5 business days after your sample is collected at the lab. Results are delivered through your secure online account, where you'll find both the easy-to-understand doctor notes and the standard lab report.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for people who regularly eat fish (especially larger ocean fish like tuna, swordfish, or shark), work in industries with mercury exposure (dental, chemical, mining), or have symptoms of mercury toxicity like persistent headaches or cognitive issues. It's also useful for pregnant women or those planning pregnancy, since mercury can affect fetal development, and for anyone exposed to broken thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, or old dental amalgam fillings.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms of mercury exposure include persistent headaches, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and unusual fatigue. You might also experience tremors, mood changes, irritability, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, or coordination problems. If you frequently eat fish and notice these symptoms, or if you work around mercury-containing materials, this test can help determine if mercury toxicity is the cause.

How can I reduce my mercury exposure naturally?

Start by limiting consumption of high-mercury fish like tuna, swordfish, shark, and king mackerel, and choose low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, and anchovies instead. Increase foods that support natural detoxification like cilantro, chlorella, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale). Ensure you're getting enough selenium, zinc, and vitamin C, which help protect against mercury toxicity. If you work around mercury, always use proper protective equipment and ventilation.

What does high mercury in blood mean?

High blood mercury levels indicate recent or ongoing exposure to this toxic metal, most commonly from eating contaminated fish or industrial/occupational exposure. Elevated mercury can damage your nervous system, affecting brain function, coordination, and cognitive abilities. High levels may require dietary changes, avoiding certain fish, identifying and eliminating exposure sources, and in severe cases, medical chelation therapy to remove mercury from your body.

How often should I retest my mercury levels?

If your initial test shows elevated mercury, you should retest in 3-6 months after making dietary changes or reducing exposure to track whether levels are decreasing. If you regularly eat fish or work in an environment with mercury exposure, annual testing helps monitor ongoing exposure. If you're undergoing chelation therapy or detoxification protocols, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing every 1-3 months to monitor treatment effectiveness.