Blood lead should be measured where there is a suspected risk of lead exposure. This particularly includes any child with pica and any individual handing lead or lead-containing items non-occupationally. Common sources of lead exposure include pre-1970’s household paintwork, contaminated soil, vintage toys and some traditional medicines and cosmetics. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk of adverse effects.
Tube
EDTA (Haem)
ID
29961
Availability
Weekdays only. Urgent analysis is possible please contact Laboratory or Duty Biochemist.
Additional information
Advice regarding the management of lead poisoning can be found on the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) website. If blood lead concentration exceeds 2.4 umol/L in any patient who is not exposed occupationally to lead, the case should be discussed urgently with the NPIS.
Monitoring of occupational exposure to lead should be done in accordance with the legislation that can be found on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Turn around
7 days
Send to
Specialist Laboratory Medicine,
Block 46,
St James’s University Hospital,
Beckett Street,
Leeds
LS9 7TF
Contact
For further details please contact Leeds Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Collection Con
Heparin tubes can be used but suffer from the formation of microclots which interfere with the analysis.
Sample REQ
Store at 4C prior to sending.
Units
umol/L