Lead (Pb) Test
Test Overview
This test measures the amount of lead in a person's blood. Lead is a poisonous (toxic) metal that can damage the brain and other parts of the body. A lead test may be done on blood taken from the vein, a finger (finger stick), or the heel (heel stick).
A person can be exposed to lead:
- By eating or drinking lead-contaminated foods, water, or other material (such as paint chips).
- By breathing dust or smoke containing lead.
- Through skin contact with lead.
There is no safe age to be exposed to lead. A pregnant woman who is exposed to lead can pass it to her baby (fetus). Lead can also be passed to a baby through the mother's breast milk.
Why It Is Done
Testing for lead is done to:
- Diagnose lead poisoning.
- See how well treatment for lead poisoning is working.
- Look for lead poisoning in people who work with lead or lead products or who live in places where the chance of poisoning is high, such as in a large city.
- Check for the amount of lead in people who live with or play with children who have lead poisoning.
How To Prepare
- In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
- Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any herbal medicines.
How It Is Done
Blood sample from a heel stick
A heel stick is used to get a blood sample from a baby. The baby's heel is poked, and several drops of blood are collected. Your baby may have a tiny bruise where the heel was poked.
Blood sample from a vein
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Watch
How It Feels
Blood sample from a heel stick
A brief pain, like a sting or a pinch, is usually felt when the lancet punctures the skin. Your baby may feel a little discomfort with the skin puncture.
Blood sample from a vein
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
Risks
Heel stick
There is very little risk of a problem from a heel stick. Your baby may get a small bruise at the puncture site.
Blood test
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Results
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
Results are usually available within 1 week.
Your doctor will likely want to do more evaluation and another blood lead level test if:footnote 1, footnote 2
References
Citations
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Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012). Announcement: Response to the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention report, low level lead exposure harms children: A renewed call for primary prevention. MMWR, 61(20): 383. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6120a6.htm?s_cid=mm6120a6_w.
Credits
Current as of:
May 13, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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Current as of: May 13, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012). Announcement: Response to the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention report, low level lead exposure harms children: A renewed call for primary prevention. MMWR, 61(20): 383. Also available online: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6120a6.htm?s_cid=mm6120a6_w.
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