Test Code LEAD Lead, Blood
Additional Codes
AllScripts (AEHR) Orderable:
Lead, Blood
Performing Laboratory
LabCorp at Raritian
Methodology
Atomic Absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS)
Specimen Requirements
Container/Tube: Tan lead collection tube(s) - Lavender top (EDTA) not acceptable.
Pedatric sample: Lavender Microtainer (full)-Capillary 0.5 mL whole blood
Specimen: 1 mL of EDTA whole blood
Transport Temperature: Room Temperature
Collection Instructions: Venipuncture is recommended. For capillary specimen, cleanse site thoroughly to reduce risk of contamination. Invert several times to mix blood.- Collect in lavender microtainer.( for children only)
Note: A special request form including patient demographic information is required for processing. Demographic information required: Patient Name, address, patient phone number, patient race and guardian(for children)
Clotted specimen is not acceptable.
Reference Values
Environmental exposure: 0 - 4 ug/dL
(WHO Recommendations)
Occupational exposure:
OSHA Lead Standard: 40 ug/dL
BEI 30 ug/dL
Detection Limit = 1
All clients are notified of Levels 5 ug/dL or greater.
Additonal Information:
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following testing schedule for children
with elevated BLLs (blood lead levels) ona a screening test:
Blood Lead Levels (CDC)
Blood (ug/dL): |
Time to Confirmation Testing: |
*The higher the BLL on the screening test, the more urgent the need for confirmation testing. |
|
Reference value-9 |
1 to 3 m |
10−45 |
1 wk to 1 m* |
45−59 |
48 h |
60−69 |
24 h |
≥70 |
Urgently as emergency test |
Test Classification and CPT Coding
83655
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday - Sunday, continuously
Computer Interface Code
PDM # 5302549
Useful For
Hematologic consequences ascribed to lead toxicity may be basophilic stippling, mild anemia, and reticulocytosis. Other characteristics of toxicity may include increased urine δ-aminolevulinic acid, increased erythrocyte protoporphyrins, and decreased aminolevulinic acid dehydrase. Lead lines on gums or at the metaphyses of long bones in children may also be present. Early symptoms of lead poisoning include anorexia, apathy or irritability, fatigue, and anemia. Toxic effects include GI distress, joint pain, colic, headache, stupor, convulsions, and coma. Another test that may be used to evaluate lead intoxication is free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP); however, a blood lead assay is the definitive test.
Lead and organic lead compounds have numerous commercial and industrial applications, including paints, plastics, storage batteries, bearing alloys, insecticides, and ceramics. Exposure may also occur through the inhalation of dust containing lead emitted by automobile exhaust. A common source of lead exposure among children is through the mouthing of inanimate objects, specifically objects with paint and paint chips that contain lead. Acute lead exposure is rare; however, toxicity may occur through acute ingestion of a lead salt or acetate. Blood is the preferred specimen by which the extent of an acute or recent exposure to lead may be measured.