Lead/Creatinine Ratio, Random, Urine

Use

Detecting clinically significant lead exposure, a toxic heavy metal, using random urine specimens. Increased urinary lead concentration per gram of creatinine indicates significant lead exposure. Measurement of urine lead concentration per gram of creatinine before and after chelation therapy have been used as an indicator of significant lead exposure. This test is not a substitute for blood lead screening. Urinary lead excretion mainly reflects recent exposure and shares limitations for assessing body burden or long-term exposure. Normal excretion (4 mcg/g creatinine is usually associated with pallor, anemia, and other evidence of lead toxicity.