Test Details
Mnemonic
LEAD
Ordering Code
1000370
CPT-4 Code(s)
83655
Specimen Information
Collect
Dark blue trace element EDTA
Specimen Preparation
Send 1.0 mL whole blood refrigerated in original collection tube. Care should be used in collecting specimens to avoid contamination because lead is widely distributed in the environment. A completed lead analysis form must accompany sample.
Alternate Specimen
Whole blood: Lavender EDTA, K2EDTA (brown top).
If sample is drawn capillary, indicate on tube.
If sample is drawn capillary, indicate on tube.
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Rejection Criteria
Clotted samples
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 1 month
Frozen: Not recommended
Refrigerated: 1 month
Frozen: Not recommended
Methodology
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Reference Range
Blood lead in children (according to CDC Classification ≤ 15 years)
Blood Lead Comment
<5 ug/dL No action required.
CDC recommendations for clinical follow up and lead level monitoring may vary depending on initial measured lead level and the child's age. Local and state health departments also may have different recommendations for monitoring and clinical follow up. Please consult your local or state health department, or the CDC's website regarding monitoring of lead levels in children:
cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/actions_blls.html
*Elevated levels of blood lead should be confirmed with a second specimen before remedial action is instituted.
Elevated capillary blood specimens should be repeated using a venous specimen due to possible contamination.
Adults >15 years
Blood Lead Comment
<5.0 ug/dL No action required.
CDC recommendations for clinical follow up and lead level monitoring may vary depending on initial measured lead level and the patient's age. Local and state health departments may also have different recommendations for monitoring and clinical follow up. Please consult your local or state health department, or the following links to CDC's website regarding monitoring of lead levels in adults:
cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/description.html
cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/pdfs/Reference%20Blood%20Levels%20for%20Adults-2015-12-18_508.pdf
Blood Lead Comment
<5 ug/dL No action required.
CDC recommendations for clinical follow up and lead level monitoring may vary depending on initial measured lead level and the child's age. Local and state health departments also may have different recommendations for monitoring and clinical follow up. Please consult your local or state health department, or the CDC's website regarding monitoring of lead levels in children:
cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/actions_blls.html
*Elevated levels of blood lead should be confirmed with a second specimen before remedial action is instituted.
Elevated capillary blood specimens should be repeated using a venous specimen due to possible contamination.
Adults >15 years
Blood Lead Comment
<5.0 ug/dL No action required.
CDC recommendations for clinical follow up and lead level monitoring may vary depending on initial measured lead level and the patient's age. Local and state health departments may also have different recommendations for monitoring and clinical follow up. Please consult your local or state health department, or the following links to CDC's website regarding monitoring of lead levels in adults:
cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/description.html
cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/pdfs/Reference%20Blood%20Levels%20for%20Adults-2015-12-18_508.pdf
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory