Lead levels - blood

Blood lead level is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood.

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

Drawn from a vein

Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. It is most often done for laboratory testing.

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In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin.

• The blood collects in a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip.
• A bandage is put over the spot to stop any bleeding.

How to Prepare for the Test

No special preparation is needed.

For children, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel and why it is done. This may make the child feel less nervous.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is used to screen people at risk for lead poisoning. This may include industrial workers and children who live in urban areas. The test is also used to diagnose lead poisoning when a person has symptoms of the condition. It is also used to measure how well treatment for lead poisoning is working. Lead is common in the environment, so it is often found in the body in low levels.

Normal Results

Small amounts of lead in adults are not thought to be harmful. However, even low levels of lead can be dangerous to infants and children. It can cause lead poisoning that leads to problems in mental development.

Adults:

• Less than 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) or 0.48 micromoles per liter (µmol/L) of lead in the blood

Children:

• Less than 3.5 µg/dL or 0.17 µmol/L of lead in the blood

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

In adults, a blood lead level of 5 µg/dL or 0.24 µmol/L or above is considered elevated. Treatment may be recommended if:

• Your blood lead level is greater than 80 µg/dL or 3.86 µmol/L.
• You have symptoms of lead poisoning and your blood lead level is greater than 40 µg/dL or 1.93 µmol/L.

In children:

• Blood lead level of 3.5 µg/dL or 0.17 µmol/L or greater requires further testing and monitoring.
• The source of lead must be found and removed.
• A lead level greater than 45 µg/dL or 2.17 µmol/L in a child's blood most often indicates the need for treatment.
• Treatment may be considered with a level as low as 20 µg/dL or 0.97 µmol/L.