Patient's question:
At seven months old, the thermometer broke while measuring the baby's temperature, leaving a less than one-centimeter wound in the armpit. We are worried that mercury might enter the baby's bloodstream. We want to check the blood mercury levels, but after two days of visiting many hospitals in Shanghai, none of them can perform this test. There are adult blood mercury tests available, but they won't do it for children. No hospitals are open to transferring the baby's blood sample to the disease control center. We are truly disappointed with this city. Even for trace elements, mercury is not included in the tests. Even if you help us collect the blood sample, we can't get it tested ourselves. All we face are excuses that we can't accept.What kind of help we need: We just need a place that can help us. As parents, we feel extremely guilty for our negligence, but now the only thing we can do is hope that our baby can get tested. If it affects his health later, we will be truly ashamed.
Doctor's answer:
The amount of mercury in thermometers is already small. Although your child's skin has been cut, the mercury may have been dispersed into the air, and the amount that entered your child's wound should be very small. It is highly unlikely to cause any poisoning symptoms, so you don't need to worry. Since major hospitals in Shanghai are unable to perform this test, there is no need to insist on it. Just focus on taking good care of your child and ensuring their safety.