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Alternative names Return to top
Blood lead levelsDefinition Return to top
This is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood.How the test is performed Return to top
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
The blood is collected and transported in containers that do not contain lead. It is usually evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No dietary restriction of food or fluid is necessary.How the test will feel Return to top
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.Why the test is performed Return to top
While lead serves no function in our bodies, it is usually present to some degree since it is so common in our environment. Low levels in adults are not thought to be harmful, but in infants and children, low levels of lead can lead to toxicity (see lead poisoning) such as deficits in intellectual/cognitive development.Normal Values Return to top
Adults:Note: dL = deciliter
What abnormal results mean Return to top
Adults:If you have elevated lead levels, it is vital that you are separated immediately from the source of the lead. You should discuss possible sources of exposure and ways to eliminate the exposures with your health care provider.
Note: dL = deciliter
What the risks are Return to top
Risks associated with having blood drawn are slight:Special considerations Return to top
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others. Update Date: 9/3/2003 Updated by: Michael C. Milone, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |