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Test ID: Lead (blood)
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Lead (blood)
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Lead (blood)
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Useful For
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The investigation of lead toxicity
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Method name and description
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Inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry
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Clinical information
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Accumulation of lead in the body results in lead toxicity, which can be mild (headaches, aches and pains) but at higher concentrations can be severe (coma, death). Exposure to lead can be through a variety of routes including inhalation, dermal, or via ingestion
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Specimen type: Blood.
Specimen volume: 3-5 mL blood.
Specimen container: royal blue top/Trace Element K2-EDTA tubes.
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Presenting clinical signs and symptoms
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Storage and transport instructions
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Blood samples can be transported at ambiant temperature as quickly as possible.
Blood samples stored at 2-8°C until processing.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Samples collected in other than trace element K2-EDTA tubes.
Clotted blood samples.
Insufficient samples.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Lead Level
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< 10 µg/dL
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No Danger
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10-14 µg/dL
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Rescreen at higher frequency
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15-19 µg/dL
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Re-screen; If level is confirmed investigate life circumstances
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20-44 µg/dL
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Conduct environmental and medical evaluations; consider drug therapy for lead toxicity
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45-69 µg/dL
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Medical and environmental intervention; Chelation
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> 69 µg/dL
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Handle as medical emergency; risk of seizures and encephalopathy
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Turnaround time: 5 working days.
Days and times test performed: once a week.
Specimen retention time: 14 days.
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