Lead, Capillary


Sunquest Code:PBCAP  
Epic Code:LAB7030Epic Name:Lead, Capillary
Synonyms:PB; PBCL
Methodology:Electrochemistry
Turnaround Time:Specimens are sent to the reference laboratory Mon-Sat; results are reported within 1-3 days.
Special Instructions:Medical laboratories performing blood lead analyses must report the results of all blood lead test to the Minnesota Department of Health. A completed blood lead report form must be sent with each Outreach sample. See Associated Links.

  Capillary specimens only. Venipuncture samples have different specimen requirements. See Lead, Blood Venous (LAB6973)
Associated Links:

MDH Blood Lead Report Form


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Blood
Optimal Volume:0.5 mL - EDTA tubes must contain >50% of intended tube volume
Minimum\Peds Volume:0.3 mL - EDTA tubes must contain >50% of intended tube volume.
Container:Purple microtainer, only for pediatric fingerstick
Collection Instructions:
 

Only capillary samples may be used. For venous collections, see Lead, Blood Venous (LAB6973). Lead is present everywhere in our environment. Trace amounts of lead on skin, blood collection materials, or even paper towels may cause falsely increased blood levels. To minimize the risk of sample contamination.

  1. Keep collection area clean and free of dust.
  2. Prior to collection, have the patient wash hands thoroughly with soup and water and instruct them to shake their hands dry. Paper towels are a potential source of lead contamination. After washing, patient should not touch anything with their fingers.
  3. Hold the finger and massage the collection site with a fresh, clean glove to increase blood flow.
  4. Clean the collection area with an alcohol prep and allow to air dry.
  5. After puncture of skin, allow first drop of blood to fall freely onto a gauze. Do not wipe or blot the drop away.
  6. If collecting into multiple containers, collect the lead sample first.
  7. Do not allow blood to flow over finger nails.
Causes for Rejection:Specimens collected in tubes other than Lavender Pediatric (EDTA). Specimens transported in tubes other than trace-element free transport tubes or Lavender Peditric (EDTA) tubes. Heparin anticoagulant, clotted specimens.


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:Do not centrifuge, whole blood. Store at room temperature or refrigerated, in original container.
Shipping Instructions:Ship whole blood in original container at room temperature or refrigerated temperature.
Stability:Indefinitely at room temperature or refrigerated temperature.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Lab Sendouts  (ARUP)


Interpretive

Reference Range:Less than or equal to 4.9 μg/dL
All ages 5-9.9 μg/dL Adverse health effects are possible particularly in children under 6 years of age and pregnant women. Discuss health risks associated with continued lead exposure. For children and women who are or may become pregnant, reduce lead exposure.
All ages 10-19.9 μg/dL Reduced lead exposure and increased biological monitoring are recommended.
All ages 20-69.9 μg/dL Removal from lead exposure and prompt medical evaluation is recommended. Consider chelation therapy when concentrations exceed 50 μg/dL and symptoms of lead toxicity are present.
< 19 y of age Greater than 44.9 μg/dL Critical: Immediate medical evaluation is recommended. Consider chelation therapy when symptoms of lead toxicity are present.
> 19 y of age Greater than 69.9 μg/dL Critical: Immediate medical evaluation is recommended. Consider chelation therapy when symptoms of lead toxicity are present.
 
Limitations:Capillary samples are more susceptible to contamination then venous collections. Elevated capillary results must be confirmed using a venous specimen collected in a certified lead-free collection tube. See Lead, Blood Venous (LAB6973).
Do not collect specimens for lead testing from patients who have received gadolinium-, iodine-, or barium-containing contrast material within the past 96 hours.
Use:Recommended for routine testing for lead exposure in pediatric populations.


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