ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Lead, Blood (Capillary) : 0020745

Mnemonic: LEAD CAP

Methodology: Quantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
Performed: Mon-Sat
Reported: 1-3 days
Specimen Required: Patient Prep: Clean puncture site well with soap and water before collection procedure begins.

Collect: Lavender Microtainer™ (EDTA).

Specimen Preparation: Invert specimen 10 times to prevent clot formation. Transport 0.5 mL whole blood. (Min: 0.3 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Room temperature. Also acceptable: Refrigerated.

Remarks: Lead requisition form required (ARUP form #32990-Barcode; #32991-No Barcode).

Unacceptable Conditions: Heparin anticoagulant. Frozen specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): If the specimen is drawn and stored in the appropriate container, the lead values do not change with time.
Reference Interval:
0.0-4.9 µg/dL
Interpretive Data: Elevated results may be due to skin- or collection-related contamination. Elevated levels of blood lead should be confirmed with a venous specimen collected in a lead-free tube.

Information sources for reference intervals and interpretive comments include the "CDC Response to the 2012 Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Report" and the "Recommendations for Medical Management of Adult Lead Exposure, Environmental Health Perspectives, 2007." Thresholds and time intervals for retesting, medical evaluation, and response vary by state and regulatory body. Contact your State Department of Health and/or applicable regulatory agency for specific guidance on medical management recommendations.
 
Concentration Comment
5-9.9 µg/dL Adverse health effects are possible, particularly in children under 6 years of age and pregnant women. Discuss health risks associated with continued lead exposure. For children and women who are or may become pregnant, reduce lead exposure.
10-19.9 µg/dL Reduced lead exposure and increased biological monitoring are recommended.
20-69.9 µg/dL Removal from lead exposure and prompt medical evaluation are recommended. Consider chelation therapy when concentrations exceed 50 µg/dL and symptoms of lead toxicity are present.
Greater than 69.9 µg/dL Critical.  Immediate medical evaluation is recommended. Consider chelation therapy when symptoms of lead toxicity are present.

CPT Code(s): 83655
Cross References: BLL (Lead, Blood (Capillary)), Lead (Pediatric) (Lead, Blood (Capillary)), Pb (Lead, Blood (Capillary))