| Test Description |
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Contact: Blood Lead (515) 725-1600
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Test Request Form: Blood Lead
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SHL OpenELIS Code: 601
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| Routine testing for lead exposure in pediatric populations. Elevated results confirmed with venous blood sample. |
| Reflex Test(s) |
|---|
| If result is > or equal to 15 ug/dL, reflexes to Blood Lead Screening with a Venous blood sample |
| Performed |
Avg. Turnaround Time |
Method |
Ankeny, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F
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1 - 5 business days |
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) |
| Fee |
CPT Code(s) |
| $24.32 |
83655 |
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| Whole blood (capillary or venous). Venous samples are acceptable for screening and are required for follow-up samples on patients found to have elevated capillary lead levels.
NOTE: Specimens are easily contaminated with lead, so certain precautions are required during the collection process for a valid result. The clinic area, and the collector’s clothes and gloves, must be as clean and dust free as possible. |
| For capillary samples, wash child’s hand with warm water and soap. Gentle scrubbing will stimulate circulation to the fingers. Wrap hand in paper towel to prevent recontamination. Keep wrapped until you are ready for the finger stick. |
Capillary Collection (Finger stick): CB-300, Microvette, or similar tubes are acceptable for screening only. A venous specimen must be submitted for confirmation of elevated levels. With each batch of samples submitted, one unused sampling container MUST be submitted as a quality control check for contamination.
- Stick finger slightly lateral to the center of the fingertip. Wipe off the first drop of blood with gauze. Gently massage finger behind first knuckle and hold at first knuckle joint. DO NOT MILK THE BLOOD OUT. This can result in dilution of the blood and false negative results.
- If a Hematocrit is needed, take it before massaging of finger for lead sample.
- Blood should bead, if hand is low (below heart level, flow will be better).
- Fill the container to the mark on the tube. DO NOT OVERFILL OR UNDERFILL. This could result in clotting of the sample and sample will be rejected.
Venous Collection:
- Collect venous blood samples in a lavender top EDTA or pink top K2EDTA tube.
- MIX WELL to allow anti-coagulant (EDTA) to work. Clotted specimens cannot be analyzed.
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| Room Temperature; stable for 3 - 5 Days |
| Heparin anticoagulant. Frozen specimens. Clotted specimens. |
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| Value in µg/dL |
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| Wrap specimen container in absorbent material and place inside a biohazard bag. Place the bag into the Styrofoam container, then into the cardboard mailer. Transport specimen at room temperature. Ship to the Ankeny location. |
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| Elevated levels of blood lead should be confirmed with a second specimen by venous collection in a lead-free tube. Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related contamination, including use of a noncertified lead-free tube. |
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| Blood lead screening; lead, blood |
