Test ID: HGNA
Mercury, Nails
Useful For 
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Detecting mercury exposure
Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Once absorbed and circulating, mercury becomes bound to numerous proteins, including keratin. The concentration of mercury in nails correlates with the severity of clinical symptoms. If the nails can be segregated by length, such an exercise can be useful in identifying the time of exposure.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
0-15 years: not established
> or =16 years: 0.0-0.9 mcg/g of nails
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Normally, nails contains <1 mcg/g mercury; any amount more than this indicates that exposure to more than normal amounts of mercury has occurred.
Clinical Reference Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Marques R, Do’rea J, Bastos W, and Malm O. Changes in children hair-Hg concentrations during the first 5 years: Maternal, environmental and iatrogenic modifying factors. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 2007;49:17–24
2. Canuel R, de Grosbois S, Atikesse L, and Lucotte M. New Evidence on Variations of Human Body Burden of Methylmercury from Fish Consumption. Environ Health Perspect 2006;114:302–306
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