Lead, Capillary, with Demographics, Blood
Use
Detecting lead toxicity with capillary collections. Lead is a heavy metal naturally found in the environment that can be an acute and chronic toxin. Exposure to lead can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. It is released into the environment from sources such as mining, manufacturing, and burning of fossil fuels. Lead can cause neurological damage and anemia, particularly in children, due to its effect on hemoglobin synthesis and its accumulation in soft tissues and bones.
Special Instructions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends venous collection of samples for lead testing. Capillary lead testing is acceptable for pediatrics and patients with phlebotomy considerations, but capillary blood collection may be more susceptible to contamination. Elevated capillary blood levels must be confirmed with a venous lead blood test.
Limitations
High concentrations of gadolinium and iodine can interfere with mass spectrometry-based metal testing. Specimen collection should be delayed for 96 hours if these substances have been administered. Capillary blood collection may be contaminated, requiring confirmation by venous testing. This test does not differentiate lead exposure from other possible causes of elevated lead levels, such as environmental contamination.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10368-9
- 10368-9
- 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
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
0.4 mL
Minimum Volume
0.1 mL
Container
BD Microtainer MAP (microtube for automated process) with EDTA
Collection Instructions
See Metals Analysis Specimen Collection and Transport for complete instructions. Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot.
Patient Preparation
A specimen should not be collected for 96 hours if gadolinium- or iodine-containing contrast media has been administered.
Causes for Rejection
Clotted blood
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |