Update: 28 September, 2023
This document describes the method of determining mercury in blood and urine by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) using the VGA 77. The performance of the VGA 77 for mercury determination in these solutions is presented. Various clinical manifestations of mercury intoxication may occur depending on the type of mercury involved. Inhalation of elemental mercury leads to lung, central nervous system (CNS), and kidney damage. CNS damage results in a range of behavioral and neurological deficits. Ingestion of inorganic mercurials can cause severe gastrointestinal damage due to their corrosive nature, which is more clinically significant than mercury exposure. Once absorbed, inorganic mercurials concentrate in the kidney and may cause proximal tubular necrosis. Exposure to organomercurials such as methyl mercury primarily affects the CNS and can be severe, including coma and death. Organomercurials can cross the placenta and affect the unborn child, leading to postnatal cerebral palsy. Organomercurials are typically found in the food chain as a result of methylation of inorganic mercury salts by bacteria.
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Publication date: 11 June, 2012
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PDF Link: Agilent Determination of mercury in blood urine by Cold Vapor AAS using the VGA-77 Manual PDF