Heavy Metals Panel

Included Tests

Arsenic; Lead; Mercury

Clinical Significance

Useful in the diagnosis of toxicity due to Arsenic, Lead or Mercury.

Specimen Requirements

4.0 mL Whole Blood in a Navy Blue Top Tube - EDTA Trace metal tube  (Purple Striped Label)

Transport And Storage

5 days Ambient
7 days Refrigerated

Collection Instructions

Carefully clean skin prior to venipuncture. Avoid worksite collection.


Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non acid washed/non metal free container may not accurately reflect the patient's level. If a non-trace element tube/container is received, it will be accepted for testing. However, elevated results shall be reported with a message that a re-submission with a trace element tube/container is recommended.

Minimum Volume

2.0 mL Whole Blood

Neonatal Volume

Reference Range:

Arsenic, Blood

<23 mcg/L

Whole Blood Arsenic level >100 mcg/L is indicative of acute/chronic exposure. Urine is usually the best specimen for the analysis of arsenic in body fluids. Blood levels tend to be low even when urine concentrations are high.

Lead, Blood
0-6 Years	<5 mcg/dL
>6 Years	<5 mcg/dL

Blood lead levels in the range of 5-9 mcg/dL have been associated with adverse health effects in children aged 6 years and younger. Patient management varies by age and CDC Blood Lead Level range. Refer to the CDC website regarding Lead Publications/Case Management for recommended interventions.

Mercury, Blood

≤10 mcg/L

Methodology:

• Inductively Coupled Plasma / Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) or Atomic Spectroscopy (AS)

Clinical Significance

Useful in the diagnosis of toxicity due to Arsenic, Lead or Mercury.

CPT Coding

82175, 83655, 83825