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
0.3 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
COMPONENT REFERENCE INTERVAL
Lead, Whole Blood < 6 years: <3.5 μg/dL
In 2021, CDC revised the blood lead reference
level for children ages 1-5 years to less than
3.5 ug/dL. Children with levels at or above this
value represent those at thetop 2.5% of
blood levels.
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:
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/actions_blls.html
COMPONENT REFERENCE INTERVAL
Lead, Whole Blood >= 6 years: < 5.0 μg/dL
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 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 adults:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/pdfs/
Lead, Whole Blood < 6 years: <3.5 μg/dL
In 2021, CDC revised the blood lead reference
level for children ages 1-5 years to less than
3.5 ug/dL. Children with levels at or above this
value represent those at thetop 2.5% of
blood levels.
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:
https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/actions_blls.html
COMPONENT REFERENCE INTERVAL
Lead, Whole Blood >= 6 years: < 5.0 μg/dL
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 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 adults:
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/pdfs/
Performing Laboratory
Warde Medical Laboratory