Test Detail

Blood Lead Screening

Reflex Test(s)
Test Description		Contact: Blood Lead (515) 725-1600 Test Request Form: Blood Lead SHL OpenELIS Code: 601
Routine testing for lead exposure in pediatric populations. Elevated results confirmed with venous blood sample.
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	1 - 5 business days	Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Fee	CPT Code(s)
$24.32	83655
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type:	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.
Patient Preparation:	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.
Collection Instructions:	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.
Shipping:
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.
Temperature and Stability:	Room Temperature; stable for 30 days
Rejection Criteria:	Specimens will be rejected if received under these conditions: Heparin anticoagulant. Clotted specimens.
Expected Results:
Value in µg/dL
Comments
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.
Alternate Names
Blood lead screening; lead, blood