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Synonym(s):
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Blood Lead screening, Pb
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Requisition Form
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G-1B, G-THSTEPS
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Test Description
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The measurement of lead is
used to detect lead exposure in whole blood specimens.
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Pre-Approval Needed
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N/A
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Supplemental Information Required
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N/A
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Supplemental Form(s)
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N/A
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Performed on Specimens from (sources)
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Human
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Sample/Specimen Type for Testing
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• Preferred: Whole blood in (BD) K2 EDTA
lavender top vacuum tube (venous).
• Acceptable: Whole blood in (BD MAP) K2 EDTA
lavender top tube (capillary for automation).
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Minimum Volume/Size Required
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Fill to manufacturer’s
stated fill volume.
Minimum of 1 mL in a 2 mL
vacuum tube or 375µL minimum in a 500µL capillary for automation tube.
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Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
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• Invert lavender top tubes at least 10 times immediately
after collection to avoid clotting. • Store at ambient or refrigerated temperature. • Do not freeze. • Avoid high temperature environments.
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Transport Medium
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N/A
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Specimen Labeling
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• Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number • Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.
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Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
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• Specimens may be shipped at ambient or refrigerated
temperature.
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Specimens must be received by the laboratory within 14 days from collection. • Do not freeze specimens.
• Handle as infectious agent using universal precautions.
• Ship according to Dangerous Good Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR 49.• Ship triple-contained in accordance with federal shipping regulations for infectious agents. |
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Method
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Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
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Turn-around Time
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4-5 working days after
receipt of specimen
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Interferences/Limitations
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Clotting
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| Common Causes for Rejection
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• Specimen is clotted.
• Two patient-specific identifiers not met
• Specimen is collected in an expired blood collection tube.
• Specimen is not mailed or shipped in a timely or proper manner.
• Demographic information is missing or incorrect.
• Specimen identification is missing or incorrect.
• Specimen tube broken/leaked in transit.
• Submission form not included with specimen.
• No specimen included with submission form.
• Specimen identification illegible
• Incorrect blood collection tube used.
• Specimen volume is insufficient or excessive.
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Additional Information
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Reference Range:
0 - 4 µg/dL
Contact:
• Telephone: 512-776-6236 or 512-766-2628 • Fax: 512-776-7221 • Email: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov
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