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Lead, Filter Paper Blood Spot (LEADBS)  

 
NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see NUlirt Guide).

Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing will not be performed without all required information.

Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.

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Test: Lead, Filter Paper Blood Spot
  • No pre-approval needed
  • NUlirt Order: LEADBS
 
Method: ICP-MS  
Availability:
  • Monday, Wednesday and Friday 
  • If received by 9:00 AM, reported within 24 hours 
 
Specimen:
  • Whole blood
 
Collection Device:  
Volume:
  • 3 Complete Spots
****Circles on filter paper must be completely saturated through*****  
Storage/Transport:
  • Ambient
  • Samples can be transported through the U.S. Mail using pre-addressed tyvek envelopes supplied by Regional Pathology Services. Patient demographic information required for lead testing: Patient full name, address, date of birth, type of specimen, race, reason for testing, provider name and address, and patient insurance or Medicaid billling information, and diagnosis code if applicable.
 
Unacceptable:
  • Blood Lead Collection Cautions
    • Failure to allow puncture site to air dry may cause the specimen to be diluted
    • Milking or squeezing the puncture may cause hemolysis and add mixture of tissue fluids with specimen
    • Do not layer successive drops of blood on the circle spot. If blood flow diminishes to incompletely fill circles repeat the capillary puncture and repeat collection using a new filter paper card
    • Avoid touching area within circle before collection and blood spots after collection on filter paper. Do not allow water, feeding formulas, antiseptic solutions, etc. to come into contact with the sample
    • Do not place filter paper in the envelope until thoroughly dry
    • Insufficient drying can adversely affect test results
  • Other Reasons for Rejection
    • Rough or wrinkled spot on paper
    • Quantity of sample not sufficient for testing
    • Apparent dilution of blood spot
    • Multiple spotting
 
Specimen Stability: Stable at ambient air 15°-25° C up to 6 months  
Reference Interval:
  • Reference Interval
    • <=3.5 ug/dL 
    • Notification range: >25 ug/dL
    • Critical range: >45 ug/dL
 
Reportable Disease: All results greater than 10 µg/dL from Nebraska are reported to the Nebraska Department of Health through the Douglas County Health Department  
Comments:
  •  Recommended for routine testing for lead exposure in pediatric populations
  • Confirm elevated results with a venous sample
 
Revised: 10/24/2025 
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.

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