ICP-MS

Monday, Wednesday, Friday by 09:00 AM

Whole Venous Blood

http://www.reglab.org/reglab/assets/File/UNMC%20Blood%20Spot%20Lead%20Collection%20ver2015(1).pdf

EDTA (Lavendar) tube or EDTA (Lavendar) microtainer

NPHL will only accept microtainer specimens collected in Aperek #1031056 or BD #363706 500 µg/dL K₂EDTA tubes.

Minimum Volume: 0.3 mL

Ambient or 2-8 ºC

Clotted or frozen specimen

Ambient: 1 week

2-8 ºC: 6 months

All resuts greater than 10 µg/dL from Nebraska are reported to the Nebraska Department of Health through the Douglas County Health Department.

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"