What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, memory problems, or muscle weakness that could be linked to heavy metal exposure. It's also useful if you eat a lot of fish, work around industrial chemicals, or have had contact with broken thermometers, old dental fillings, or other mercury sources. Checking your mercury level can help explain unclear symptoms and confirm whether exposure is a concern.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with your mercury level shown alongside the normal reference range so you can see exactly where you stand. If your level is elevated, next steps typically include identifying and removing the exposure source, such as certain fish, and retesting in a few months to confirm it's coming down. A downloadable lab report is also available in your account, and you can track your mercury levels over time using the trends feature to see if your changes are working.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who regularly eats large or predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, or shark should consider this test, since these are common sources of mercury exposure. People who work in industries involving mercury, such as manufacturing, dental work, or certain mining operations, are also good candidates. It's also worth checking if you've had a known exposure event, like a broken thermometer or contaminated water source.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms linked to mercury exposure include tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, muscle weakness, trouble concentrating, headaches, and mood changes like irritability or anxiety. Some people also notice tremors, vision or hearing changes, or digestive issues. If you have several of these symptoms along with a possible exposure source, this test can help clarify what's going on.

When will I get my results?

Results for this test are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected at the lab. Once ready, you'll be notified and can log into your account to view the full report. You can also download a copy of the standard lab report at any time from your account.

How can I naturally lower my mercury exposure?

The biggest step is reducing intake of high-mercury fish like swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tuna, and switching to lower-mercury options like salmon, shrimp, or sardines. Eating foods rich in selenium, like brazil nuts and eggs, and cilantro or chlorella supplements are sometimes used by people looking to support the body's natural detox process, though evidence is limited. Staying well hydrated and eating plenty of fiber-rich foods can also support your body's normal elimination processes. If exposure is ongoing from a workplace or environmental source, removing that source is the most effective step.

What does a high mercury result mean?

A high mercury result means you've likely had more exposure than your body can easily clear, which over time can affect your nervous system and other organs. Common causes include eating a lot of high-mercury fish, occupational exposure, or contact with mercury-containing products. The next step is usually to identify and stop the exposure source, then retest in a few months to see if your level is dropping; if the number is very high or you have severe symptoms, seek medical care right away.

What causes elevated mercury levels?

The most common cause is regularly eating fish that are high in mercury, such as swordfish, shark, tilefish, or king mackerel. Occupational exposure in industries like mining, manufacturing, or dental work is another common source, as is contact with broken mercury thermometers or certain skin-lightening products. Less commonly, contaminated water or air in specific regions can also contribute to elevated levels.

How often should I retest?

If your initial result is normal and you don't have ongoing exposure, you likely don't need to retest unless new symptoms appear. If your level was elevated, it's generally a good idea to retest every 2-3 months after reducing exposure to track whether your levels are coming down. Your trends dashboard makes it easy to compare results side by side over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your mercury level comes back high, start by reviewing your diet and any potential exposure sources, like fish intake or workplace chemicals, and cut those out where possible. Retesting in a few months can confirm whether your changes are working. If your level is very high or you're having significant symptoms like severe numbness, confusion, or muscle weakness, seek medical care as soon as possible.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Mercury Blood Test - Heavy Metal Exposure Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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