Lead (Venous)

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • LAB98
  • Soft Test Code:
  • LEAD
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 599
Alternate Names
  • BL
  • Blood Lead
  • Lead Screen
  • PB
  • PB, Pediatric
Clinical Significance

Children are especially susceptible to neurologic damage from lead and acute neurologic toxicity may develop without previous symptoms.  Blood lead level analysis is performed to evaluate the body burden of lead.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Patient Preparation

Patients should refrain from seafood, antacids, vitamins with mineral supplements, and herbal preparations at least 3 days prior to specimen collection.


Specimen Requirements:

-OR-

3.0 mL Whole Blood in a Royal Blue Top Tube - Trace Element EDTA
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL Whole Blood*

* This volume does not allow for repeat testing

Specimen Information:


Collection Instructions:

To avoid trace element contamination follow these steps: 

  • Collection material such as alcohol swabs should be lead-free.
  • Use powderless gloves.
  • Once washed, fingers must not come into contact with any surface.
  • Clean skin (area for venipuncture) with lead-free alcohol swab prior to puncture.
  • Avoid worksite collection.

Gently mix the blood specimen immediately after collection. 


Processing Instructions:

Do not centrifuge or aliquot specimen 


Rejection Criteria:

Clotted specimen

Lavender top K2 EDTA

Lead Testing will not be performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non acid-washed/non metal-free container.


Transport and Storage:
  • Ambient (18-24°C): 5 days

    Transport 

  • Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
  • Frozen (-20° C or colder): 60 days

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

Birth-6 years <3.5 mcg/dL
>6 years <3.5 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 Level Range. Refer to the CDC website regarding Lead Publications/Case Management for recommended interventions.


Test Comments:

Refer to current CDC Guidelines for comments and interventions recommended for each class. OSHA references 40 mcg/dL or less Guidelines dated June 3, 1993, were published in the Federal Register, Volume 58, No. 84, pp 26627-26649, May 4, 1993.


Methodology:
  • Atomic Spectroscopy (AS)
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma / Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS)
Clinical Significance

Children are especially susceptible to neurologic damage from lead and acute neurologic toxicity may develop without previous symptoms.  Blood lead level analysis is performed to evaluate the body burden of lead.


Production Schedule

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

1 to 2 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

01423977


CPT Coding

83655