A typical metals scan is run by ICP or ICPMS and metals included in the scan are run simultaneously from the same sample aliquot or soil or water. In most regions, mercury in water is run by cold vapour. Depending on the region mercury may or may not be included in a standard metals scan:
| REGION | MERCURY IN WATER | MERCURY IN SOIL |
| British Columbia | Not included in standard metals scan | Included by ICPMS only |
| Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba | Not included in standard metals scan | Included by ICPMS only |
| Ontario | Not included in standard metals scan | Included by ICPMS only |
| Quebec | Not included in standard metals scan | Not included in standard metals scan |
| Atlantic | Not included in standard metals scan | Included by ICPMS only |