title: Selective determination of elemental mercury in blood and urine exposed to mercury vapor in vitro.
abstract: A method is described to ensure quantitative measurement of dissolved mercury vapor (Hg0) in blood and urine. Room air passed through samples of blood and urine carries with it all the dissolved Hg0 but leaves behind all the ionic mercury (Hg++). Oxidation of Hg0 to Hg++ in blood samples is completely inhibited by addition of ethanol (0.5% v/v). To minimize error due to evaporation of Hg0, it is suggested that samples should be stored at 0 degree C and Hg0 should be determined within 60 min of collection of blood samples and within 10 min of urine samples.
mesh_terms: D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D014835:Volatilization
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D008628:Mercury