UF Health Jacksonville
MAIN MENU
QUICK LINKS
CONNECT WITH US
Search Our Site

Button
JACKSONVILLE
CALL US: 904-244-0411

Lead levels - blood

  • Definition

    • Blood lead level is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood.
  • Alternative Names

    • Blood lead levels
  • How the Test is Performed

    • A blood sample is needed. Most of the time blood is drawn from a vein located on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.

      In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin.

      • The blood collects in a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip.
      • A bandage is put over the spot to stop any bleeding.
  • How to Prepare for the Test

    • No special preparation is needed.

      For children, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel and why it is done. This may make the child feel less nervous.
  • How the Test will Feel

    • You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted. You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn.
  • Why the Test is Performed

    • This test is used to screen people at risk for lead poisoning. This may include industrial workers and children who live in urban areas. The test is also used to measure how well treatment for lead poisoning is working. Lead is common in the environment, so it is often found in the body in low levels.
  • Normal Results

    • Small amounts of lead in adults are not thought to be harmful. However, even low levels of lead can be dangerous to infants and children. It can cause lead poisoning that leads to problems in mental development.

      Adults:

      • Less than 10 micrograms per deciliter (dL) of lead in the blood

      Children:

      • Less than 5 micrograms/dL of lead in the blood

      Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
  • What Abnormal Results Mean

    • Adults who have been exposed to lead should have blood lead levels below 40 micrograms/dL. Treatment may be recommended if:

      • Your blood lead level is greater than 80 micrograms/dL.
      • You have symptoms of lead poisoning and your blood lead level is greater than 40 micrograms/dL.

      In children:

      • Blood lead level of 5 micrograms/dL or greater requires further testing and monitoring.
      • The source of lead must be found and removed.
      • A lead level greater than 45 micrograms/dL in a child's blood usually indicates the need for treatment.
      • Treatment may be considered with a level as low as 20 micrograms/dL.
  • References

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead: What Do Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children? Atlanta, GA. www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/blood_lead_levels.htm. Accessed June 23, 2015.

      Kao LW, Rusyniak DE. Chronic poisoning: trace metals and others. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 22.

      Markowitz M. Lead poisoning. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, Behrman RE, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 702.

      Schnur J, John RM. Childhood lead poisoning and the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for lead exposure. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2014;26(5):238-47. PMID: 24616453 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24616453.