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 of NPHL Test Request Form (completed in its 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: |
Metals, Blood (Lead, Cadmium and Mercury, Whole Blood) (BM)
- For emergency Response/Chemical Terrorism only
- Contact NPHL emergency pager before sending specimen 402-888-5588
|
| Method: |
ICP-MS |
| Availability: |
- Emergency response only
- Reported within 24 hours of receipt
|
| Specimen: |
Whole Blood |
| Collection Device: |
Royal Blue (K2EDTA or NA2EDTA) |
| Volume: |
Minimum: 0.25 mL |
| Storage/Transport: |
Samples should be refrigerated at 2-8 °C |
| Unacceptable: |
- Low volume (<0.25 mL)
- Inappropriate storage temperature
- Damaged collection containers
- Suspected contamination
|
| Specimen Stability: |
- Refrigerated (2°-8° C) up to 1 month
- Frozen (-20° C) up to 1 year
|
| Reference Interval: |
The following reference ranges for this method are taken from the Fourth National Report on Exposures to
Environmental Chemicals. The 95th percentile limits are 1.40 µg/L for Cd, 5.13 µg/L for Hg, and 3.34 µg/dL for Pb.
| Analyte |
Survey Years |
Geometric Mean |
50th |
75th |
90th |
95th |
N |
| Cd (µg/L) |
07-08 |
0.315 |
0.27 |
0.5 |
1 |
1.52 |
8266 |
| 09-10 |
0.302 |
0.26 |
0.48 |
0.96 |
1.4 |
8793 |
| Hg (µg/L) |
07-08 |
0.769 |
0.74 |
1.48 |
2.95 |
4.64 |
8266 |
| 09-10 |
0.863 |
0.79 |
1.68 |
3.43 |
5.13 |
8793 |
| Pb (µg/dL) |
07-08 |
1.27 |
1.22 |
1.9 |
2.8 |
3.7 |
8266 |
| 09-10 |
1.12 |
1.07 |
1.7 |
2.58 |
3.34 |
8793 |
|
| Comments: |
Contact NPHL emergency pager before sending specimen 402-888-5588 |
| 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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