Lead, capillary blood
Lead, capillary blood-147
Due to an issue with assay reagents, the Lead, capillary blood assay is temporarily unavailable at Allina Health Laboratory.
Until further notice, capillary specimens requiring lead testing should be ordered as a LAB14467, Lead, capillary (fingerstick) blood, pediatric.
The reagent issue is being evaluated and further information will be shared as it becomes available.
Because alcohol wipes do not sufficiently remove lead dust, the child’s hands should be washed with soap and water before capillary blood Lead tests are collected.
EDTA is a chelating agent, which means that it binds lead and other metal ions. Vacutainer tubes that are less than half full have more than twice the intended EDTA concentration. At these concentrations, EDTA can interfere with the lead binding to the sensor and may result in a lower blood lead value. In addition, in order to reduce the possibility of inadvertent environmental contamination due to carryover from instrumentation or leaching from metal probes, it is strongly recommended that specimen tubes for lead not be used for any other testing.
The child’s hands should be washed with soap and water before capillary blood Lead tests are collected. Alcohol wipes do not sufficiently remove lead dust.
For venous specimens, order Lead, venous blood 13306/LAB13306.
Microtainer - lavender (EDTA)
Clients submitting requests for testing on a manual requisition must include a compelted Blood Lead reporting form
Refrigerated - 7 days
- Serum
- Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
- Hemolysis (some procedures)
- Improper anticoagulant or ratio
- Heparinized plasma
- Tubes less than 1/2 full
- Delay in transport
- Improper storage temperature affecting results
- Improper container
- Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
- Quantity not sufficient (QNS)
Electrochemistry
< 5.0 µg/dL
All results are reported to the MN Department of Health (DOH)
≥ 50.0 µg/dL
A diagnostic test on venous blood should be performed immediately (STAT)
Lead Result: Perform diagnostic testing on venous blood
5.0 - 9.9 µg/dL: Within 3-6 months
10.0 - 14.9 µg/dL: Within 3 months
15.0 - 44.9 µg/dL: Within 1 week
45.0 - 49.9 µg/dL: Within 48 hours
≥ 50.0 µg/dL: Immediately (Perform STAT)
Childhood Blood Lead Clinical Treatment Guidelines for MN: Reference manual