Test:

Lead, Venous Whole Blood (LEDVEN)

 
  Synonym:  
  Method:

ICP-MS

 
  Availability:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, by 09:00 AM

Results in 24 hours after setup, unless samples need to be repeated. Friday results available the following Monday, unless a repeat is necessary.

 

 
  Specimen:

Venous Whole Blood 

 

 
  Collection Device:

EDTA (Lavendar) tube

K2EDTA (Blue) Tube

 

 
  Volume:

Must meet fill requirements

 
  Storage/Transport:

Ambient or 2-8 ºC

 

 
  Unacceptable:

Clotted or Frozen

 
  Specimen Stability:

Ambient: 1 week

2-8 ºC: 6 months

 
  Reference Interval:
<=3.5 µg/dL for children and adults
Notification rage >25.0µg/dL  
Critical range >45.0µg/dL  

 

 
  Reportable Disease:

All results greater than 10ug/dL from Nebraska are reported to the Nebraska Department of Health through the douglas County Health Department. 

 
  Comments:

Interpretive Data: 

CDC Blood Lead Reference Value: 3.5 µg/dL

  • CDC classification in children (<=15 years of age):= 10µg/dL or as indicated by local health dept. 20-44µg/dL: Same as above. Complete history and physical exam, assess for signs and symptoms. 45µg/dL or higher: Same as above. Medical intervention including physical and neurological exam. Consider chelation therapy. Contact state or local health dept. 
     
  • CDC Classification in Adults (>=16 years of age):
    • <3.5 ug/dL: No action needed. Monitor BLL if ongoing exposure
    • 3.5-9 ug/dL: Discuss health risks. Minimize exposure. Reduce lead exposure for women who are or may become pregnant
    • 10-19 ug/dL: Decrease exposure. Consider removal from lead exposure for certain medical conditions or BLL >10 for extended period. Increase monitoring and repeat BLL in 3 months.
    • 20-29 ug/dL: Remove from Lead exposure. Prompt medical evaluation.
    • 50-79 ug/dL: Remove from lead exposure. Prompt medical evaluation. Consider Chelation therapy with significant symptoms or signs of lead toxicity.
    • >80 ug/g/dL: remove from lead exposure. Urgent medical evaluation. Probably Chelation therapy. 
  • Source for children: "Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level, CDC, 2021."
  • Source for adults: "Recommendations for Medical Management of Adult Lead Exposure, environmental Health Perspectives, 2007"
 
  Revised: 5/9/2023