ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Lead, Blood (Capillary) : 0020745

Mnemonic: LEAD CAP

Methodology: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry
Performed: Mon-Sat
Reported: 1-3 days
Specimen Required: Collect:  One 0.5 mL lavender Microtainer™ (K2EDTA) and mix well (invert 10 times) to prevent clot formation.

Transport:  0.5 mL whole blood (lavender Microtainer™ (K2EDTA)) at 20-25°C.

Pediatric Collection/Transport:  0.3 mL whole blood (lavender Microtainer™ (K2EDTA)) at 20-25°C.

Remarks:  This test should only be ordered for specimens obtained using skin puncture (capillary) technique.  For venous collections refer to Lead, Blood Venous (0020098).

Unacceptable Conditions:  Heparin anticoagulant.

Stability:  If the sample is drawn and stored in the appropriate container, the lead values do not change with time.
Reference Interval:
By report
 
Blood Lead in Children According to CDC Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning Program, 1997
Lead Comment
0-9.9 µg/dL None
10-19.9 µg/dL Perform diagnostic test on venous blood within three months.
20-44.9 µg/dL Perform diagnostic test on venous blood within one week to one month.  The higher the screening BLL, the more urgent the need for a diagnostic test.
45-59.9 µg/dL Perform diagnostic test on venous blood within 48 hours.
60-69.9 µg/dL Perform diagnostic test on venous blood within 24 hours.
³70 µg/dL Perform diagnostic test on venous blood immediately as an emergency lab test.

Interpretive Data: Elevated results may be due to skin or other collection-related contamination.  Elevated levels of blood lead should be confirmed with a venous specimen collected in a lead-free tube.
CPT Code(s): 83655
 
 

 

 

 
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