Heavy Metals Panel

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB832
  • Soft Test Code:
  • HVWB1
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 7655
Alternate Names
  • Heavy Metals Panel (Blood)
  • Heavy Metals Panel (Venous)
Included Tests

Arsenic; Lead; Mercury


Clinical Significance

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


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements

4.0 mL Whole Blood in a Navy Blue Top TubeEDTA 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

Clinical Interpretation

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.


Production Schedule

Sites Performed
  • Quest - Chantilly
Days Performed
Tuesday
Thursday
Saturday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

1 to 4 days


Coding & Compliance

CPT Coding

82175, 83655, 83825