Type of test Blood
Normal findings
< 10 mcg/dL for lead
Critical values for lead
Child (≤ 15 years): ≥ 20 mcg/dL
Adult (≥ 16 years): ≥ 70 mcg/dL
Test explanation and related physiology
Lead exposure, indicated by elevated blood lead levels, can result in permanent damage of almost all parts of the body. Children younger than 6 years of age are the most likely to be exposed and affected by lead. Blood lead levels are the best test for detecting and evaluating recent acute and chronic exposure. Blood lead samples are used to screen for exposure and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Toxicity to heavy metals (e.g., arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper, cobalt) and trace elements (e.g., aluminum, chromium, antimony, bismuth, selenium, silver, zinc) can also be tested. Suitable specimens for metal testing include blood, serum, urine, bones, teeth, tissue, or hair.
Procedure and patient care
• See inside front cover for Routine Blood Testing.
• Fasting: no
• Blood tube commonly used: verify with laboratory
• A finger stick can be performed to obtain 1 mL of blood.
• The blood sample is usually sent to a central diagnostic laboratory. The results are available in about 7 to 10 days.
Abnormal findings
Increased levels
Exposure to lead, other heavy metals, and trace elements
