Lead, Whole Blood

Diagnostic Use

Acute lead poisoning in adults is commonly characterized by abdominal pain, tiredness, aching limbs and joints, and irritability. Nerve palsy and wrist drop have also been mentioned but are very rare. In children and animals, lead poisoning is accompanied by CNS signs such as convulsions, irritability, vomiting and anaemia. High lead intake can also be asymptomatic as in a lot of occupational exposure where increased lead intake is seen only by blood lead level measurement. Chronic cases present in neurological wards with polyneuritis and renal impairment

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

BPB

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

Gross haemolysis OK, gross lipemia OK, gross icterus OK

Test Adds

Ambient 28 days, refrigerated (preferred) 28 days, frozen 28 days

Synonyms

Blood Lead
Red Cell Lead
Whole Blood Lead

Turnaround Time

7 days

Test Code

4253

Specimen Type

• Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Trace Element (Royal Blue Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

6

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Trace Element (Royal Blue Cap)

Acceptable

• EDTA (Lavender Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Whole Blood

Minimum Volume (ml)

1

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Reference Intervals

A whole blood lead level greater than 0.24 umol/L is a notifiable disease to the Medical Officer of Health.

Test Method

ICP-MS

Non-Funded Test Cost

$35.41 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

4253

Urgent testing can be arranged by calling the duty biochemist.

Resources

• Workplace Exposure Standards

Contact Information

Enquiry Form

Contact Information

Enquiry Form