Heavy Metals Screen with Demographics, Blood
Use
This test is useful for detecting exposure to heavy metals such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury through blood analysis. It provides important information regarding recent exposure and potential toxicity, helping in the assessment of environmental or occupational hazards, as well as aiding in the diagnosis of acute or chronic poisoning. The test analyzes various metals to identify significant exposure and potential health risks associated with these heavy metals.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, the Lead and Heavy Metals Reporting (T491) form is required and must be sent with the specimen. Additionally, high concentrations of gadolinium and iodine can interfere with the ICP-MS/MS-based tests; a specimen should not be collected within 96 hours of contrast media administration.
Limitations
The test may not detect arsenic in blood specimens drawn more than 2 days after exposure as arsenic is rapidly distributed into tissues. Therefore, urine is often a better specimen for screening arsenic exposure. Similarly, lead, cadmium, and mercury levels in blood indicate recent exposure and may not reflect total body burden. The blood lead test is not a substitute for occupational or environmental exposure assessments, and results must be correlated with clinical history and other laboratory data.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29588-1
- 5583-0
- 5609-3
- 5685-3
- 77307-7
- 31208-2
- 56799-0
- 68997-6
- 46499-0
- 45401-7
- 87721-7
- 42077-8
- 32624-9
- 69490-1
- 11341-5
- 80427-8
- 79183-0
- 79184-8
- 52526-1
- 74221-3
- 52531-1
- 52532-9
- 87720-9
- 68340-9
- 65651-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Royal blue-top BD vacutainer with EDTA
Collection Instructions
Send whole blood specimen in original collection tube. Do not aliquot.
Patient Preparation
Specimen should not be collected for 96 hours if gadolinium or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |