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Test Code

LEAD

Test Name

Lead, Whole Blood

CPT Codes

83655

Expected Turnaround Time

1 - 3 days

Clinical Utility

Useful to evaluate lead exposure.

Specimen and Container Info

Specimen	Container	Volume
Whole Blood	Royal Blue Top (EDTA)	2 mL
Whole Blood	Tan Top (EDTA)	2 mL
Whole Blood -Capillary	Only Microtainer, Lavender Top (EDTA) (a regular sized Lavender top tube will not be accepted)	375 µL

Collection Instructions

Wash venipuncture or fingerstick site thoroughly with soap and water to remove any lead residue. Dry thoroughly with clean disposable towel.

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

Stability Requirements

Room Temperature

7 Days

Refrigerated

7 Days

Frozen

Unacceptable

Causes for Rejection

Methodology

Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS)

Reference Intervals

Repeat testing is recommended for capillary samples with lead levels greater than or equal to 3.5 µg/dL. Confirmation of elevated lead levels requires a venous blood draw to rule out skin or collection related contamination from environmental sources.
Blood levels greater than or equal to 3.5 µg/dL have been associated with adverse health effects in children. Refer to current CDC guidelines for recommended interventions.
For OSHA occupational monitoring, workers with whole blood lead levels at or above 40 µg/dL should be referred to a physician for medical evaluation and follow-up. Refer to OSHA for additional information.

Performing Location

Roble Road Core Laboratory

Alternate Names

Testing Schedule

Routine, 3 times per week