Question
The child, who is seven months old, had a thermometer break during temperature measurement, leaving a less than one-millimeter-long wound under the armpit. I’m worried that mercury might have flowed into the blood, and I hope to check for blood mercury levels, but Shanghai Hospital does not provide pediatric mercury testing.
Answer
With low mercury levels and a small wound, the mercury may evaporate and only a small amount enters the wound, so there is no risk of poisoning. No need for testing; just ensure safety precautions.