Lead, Whole Blood (Capillary)
Also known as: LEAD CAP
Use
This test is recommended for routine screening of lead exposure in pediatric populations. Elevated results should be confirmed using a venous blood sample. Blood lead levels are important for determining potential lead exposure and for making clinical decisions related to environmental and medical management. Exposure to high levels of lead has serious health consequences, particularly in children, and can lead to neurological and developmental issues.
Special Instructions
Ensure the puncture site is thoroughly cleaned with soap and water before collection. Specimens must be collected in lavender microtainer (K2EDTA) tubes, and inverted 10 times to prevent clotting. It is imperative to use trace element-free tubes to minimize contamination.
Limitations
Capillary collections are susceptible to contamination due to skin contact or nontrace element-free collection tubes. Results exceeding the reference interval should be re-evaluated with a venous blood sample to confirm lead levels. Thresholds for retesting and medical evaluation vary by regulatory body, necessitating consultation with state health departments for guidance. This is a Laboratory Developed Test and is not FDA cleared or approved.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10368-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
lavender microtainer (K2EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Invert specimen 10 times to prevent clot formation.
Patient Preparation
Clean puncture site well with soap and water before collection procedure begins.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens collected in tubes other than lavender microtainer (K2EDTA). Specimens transported in tubes other than trace element-free transport tubes or lavender microtainer (K2EDTA) tubes. Heparin anticoagulant. Clotted specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Indefinitely |
| Refrigerated | Indefinitely |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |