Blood Lead

Brief Description

This inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer method uses an internal standard dilution technique for the determination of Lead (Pb) in whole blood. The method is used to screen whole blood specimens from patients to evaluate environmental and other non-occupational exposure to these elements.

Laboratory Unit

Chemical Threat

Methodology

ICP-MS

Specimen Collection

  • Whole blood (Capillary):
    • Collect in purple top microtainer (K2) EDTA tube
  • Whole blood (Venous):
    • Collect in purple top microtainer (K2) EDTA tube

Storage/Transport

  • Whole blood can be maintained at room temperature (15-30 °C) during transit for no more than 24 hours after collection.  
  • Whole blood must be maintained at refrigerated temperature (2-8 °C) during transit after 24 hours of collection.
  • Download this pdf file. FRM-QA 4 Refrigeration Outfit Guide

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Whole blood

Test Request

Possible Results

  • Lower reportable limit 2 µg/L
  • Upper reportable limit 100 µg/L
  • Not detected
  • Unsatisfactory

Reference Range

≤3.5 µg/dL

Unacceptable Conditions

  • Missing testing requisition form
  • Missing minimum of 2 patient identifiers
  • Improper labeling
  • Specimen damaged, broken, or leaked in transit
  • Improper storage/transport of specimen
  • No specimen received (empty collection tube).
  • Wrong specimen type
  • Low volume < 0.2 mL

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

7-10 business days

Turnaround times may be affected by the scale of the event.

Fees

No charge

LOINC/Order Codes

  • 10368-9 (Order code: CT021800 - capillary)
  • 77307-7 (Order code: CT021810 - venous)