Blood Lead
Lab test instructions for Blood Lead
Diseases
Lead poisoning
Test Method
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Availability
- All clients must consult with the Section of Epidemiology for approval before testing.
- If approved by Epidemiology, new submitters must contact the laboratory prior to submitting samples.
Specimen type
- Screening: Capillary Stick (250 µL)
- Confirmation: Venous blood
Specimen collection instructions
- Capillary specimens: collect 250 µL in blood capillary tube
- Venous specimens: collect 2 mL non-SST K2-EDTA preserved tube (Royal Blue, Tan or Lavender top tube)
Lancets:
- Preterm & low birth weight term infants: maximum lancet depth must not exceed 0.85mm
- Heel sticks: maximum lancet depth must not exceed 2.4mm
Storage and transport
- Store refrigerated
- Ship with cool packs or ambient
- Package, label, and ship as a UN3373 Biological Specimen, Category B
With approval, ship to: Anchorage Public Health Laboratory, ATTN: Chemistry Unit
Results
A quantitative concentration will be reported in µg/dL.
Interpretation of Blood Lead Results:
- Lead Level <3.5 µg/dL: This is a normal result
- Lead Level 3.5 - 19 µg/dL: Levels > 3.5 µg/dL will trigger epidemiological investigations
- Lead Level 20-44 µg/dL: Levels > 20 µg/dL will be reported to trigger an investigation and assess the need for medical intervention and treatment
- Lead Level >45 µg/dL: Indications of high lead levels will be reported to trigger a medical investigation and to assess required intervention and treatment.
Turnaround time
7-14 days
