Test Details
Methodology
Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS)
Result Turnaround Time
1 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This test is used to monitor environmental lead exposure in children younger than 16 years.
Special Instructions
Use for capillary draws (fingerstick) only. If tan-top lead free tube or royal blue-top (EDTA) tube is collected, use test Lead, Blood (Pediatric) [717009].
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Custom Additional Information
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following testing schedule for children with elevated BLLs (blood lead levels) on a screening test.2 See table.
| Blood Lead Level (μg/dL) | Time to Confirmation Testing |
|---|---|
| *The higher the BLL on the screening test, the more urgent the need for confirmation testing. | |
| ≥3.5–9 | Within 3 months |
| 10–19 | Within 1 month |
| 20–44 | Within 2 weeks |
| ≥45 | Within 48 hours |
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Whole blood
Volume
0.5 mL (capillary)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL (capillary)
Container
Lavender-top (Microtainer) tube
Collection Instructions
Mix blood thoroughly to avoid clotting.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
| Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x2 |
Reference Range
Environmental exposure: 0 to 15 years: 0.0−3.4 μg/dL1
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Patient Preparation
For capillary puncture, wash skin surface thoroughly to minimize contamination.
Causes for Rejection
Venous collections tan-top lead free tube or royal blue-top (EDTA) tube; clotted specimen
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 717016 | Lead, Blood (Peds) Capillary | 10368-9 | 007029 | Lead, Blood (Peds) Capillary | ug/dL | 10368-9 |
| Order Code | 717016 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Lead, Blood (Peds) Capillary | |||||
| Order Loinc | 10368-9 | |||||
| Result Code | 007029 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Lead, Blood (Peds) Capillary | |||||
| UofM | ug/dL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 10368-9 |