Blood Lead

Synonym(s):

Blood Lead screening, Pb

Requisition Form

G-1B, G-THSTEPS

Test Description

The measurement of lead is used to detect lead exposure in whole blood specimens.

Pre-Approval Needed

N/A

Supplemental Information Required

N/A

Supplemental Form(s)

N/A

Performed on Specimens from (sources)

Human

Sample/Specimen Type for Testing

• 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).

Minimum Volume/Size Required

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.

Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping

• 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.

Transport Medium

N/A

Specimen Labeling

• Two patient-specific identifiers required (e.g., patient full name, date of birth, Medical record number

• Identifiers on specimen must exactly match submission form.

Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements

• Specimens may be shipped at ambient or refrigerated temperature.

• 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. 

Method

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry

Turn-around Time

4-5 working days after receipt of specimen

Interferences/Limitations

Clotting

Common Causes for Rejection

• 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. 

Additional Information

Reference Range:

0 - 4 µg/dL

Contact:

• Telephone: 512-776-6236 or 512-766-2628

• Fax: 512-776-7221

• Email: ClinicalChemistry@dshs.texas.gov