Mercury Testing

Standard laboratory analysis of mercury levels in the body can be challenging to accurately measure. For that reason, specialized testing procedures have been developed.

The method we use is called a DMPS challenge test. DMPS is a medicine used to treat mercury toxicity. Its mechanism of action is as a chelating agent. Once administered by intravenous injection, DMPS chemically binds to mercury in the body and allows it to be excreted through urination. The clinical results of such testing are a useful indicator in the determination of total body mercury burden. The results also provide information relative to a more accurate assessment of baseline mercury levels.

In the event that testing, such as the DMPS challenge screen, demonstrates elevated levels of mercury, it will be necessary to engage in a therapeutic approach to remove mercury from the body.

Early signs of mercury contamination include decreased sense of touch, hearing, vision and taste, a metallic taste in the mouth, fatigue or lack of physical endurance and increased salivation. Symptoms also include anorexia, numbness, paresthesias, headaches, hypertension, irritability, excitability and immune suppression and immune dysregulation (possibly leading to autoimmune disorders). In severe situations, psychosis, anemia, tremors, incoordination, renal dysfunction and renal failure are noted.

In our culture, mercury is typically found in dental amalgams, which are generally a composite mixture of 52% mercury, 30% copper, 13% tin, 4% silver, and approximately 1% zinc. Other sources of mercury exposure can be secondary to fungicide and pesticide exposure or use and exposure through industry during the production of batteries and various types of electrical equipment. Certain types of thermometers and barometers also use mercury compounds. Other sources include methylation mercury products (methyl mercury), which are produced by aquatic biota or sediments, both fresh water and oceanic sources.

The mercury screen test through the DMPS challenge is completed through a urine analysis. You will be given a calculated dose of DMPS through intravenous infusion. During the six-hour period that follows, you will collect urine in a container. You will take a small amount of that urine and mail it to the laboratory for analysis. All equipment and instructions will be provided.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss them at the time of your visit.

Dale Guyer, M.D.