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Blood lead level is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood.
Alternative NamesBlood lead levels
How the test is performedBlood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.
Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is needed.
If your child is to have this test performed, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and even demonstrate on a doll. Explain the reason for the test. Knowing the "how and why" may reduce the anxiety your child feels.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is used to screen people at risk for lead poisoning, including industrial workers and children who live in urban areas. It is also used to see if treatment for lead poisoning is working.
While lead serves no function in our bodies, it is usually found in the body in some amount since it is so common in the environment. Low levels in adults are not thought to be harmful, but in infants and children, low levels of lead can lead to toxicity that may cause deficits in intellectual or cognitive development.
See: Lead poisoning
Normal ValuesAdults:
- Less than 20 micrograms/dL of lead in the blood
Children:
- Less than 10 micrograms/dL of lead in the blood
Note: dL = deciliter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanAdults who have been exposed to lead should have blood lead levels below 40 micrograms/dL. Treatment is recommended if you have symptoms of lead poisoning, or if your blood lead level is greater than 60 micrograms/dL.
In children, a blood lead level greater than 10 micrograms/dL requires further testing and monitoring. The source of lead must be found and removed. A lead level greater than 45 micrograms/dL in a child's blood usually indicates the need for treatment.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Woolf AD, Goldman R, Bellinger DC. Update on the clinical management of childhood lead poisoning. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2007;54: 271-294.
McGuigan MA. Chronic poisoning: trace metals and others. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007: chap 20.
High levels of lead in the blood can cause serious health problems, such as damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Sources of lead exposure include old paint, contaminated water, and certain occupations. It is important to identify and eliminate the source of lead exposure to prevent further health complications.
Blood lead level is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood.
Alternative NamesBlood lead levels
How the test is performedA blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture
How to prepare for the testNo special preparation is needed.
If your child is to have this test performed, it may be helpful to explain how the test will feel, and even demonstrate on a doll. Explain the reason for the test. Knowing the "how and why" may reduce the anxiety your child feels.
How the test will feelWhen the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performedThis test is used to screen people at risk for lead poisoning, including industrial workers and children who live in urban areas. It is also used to see if treatment for lead poisoning is working.
While lead serves no function in our bodies, it is usually found in the body in some amount since it is so common in the environment. Low levels in adults are not thought to be harmful, but in infants and children, low levels of lead can lead to toxicity that may cause deficits in intellectual or cognitive development.
See: Lead poisoning
Normal ValuesAdults:
- Less than 20 micrograms/dL of lead in the blood
Children:
- Less than 10 micrograms/dL of lead in the blood
Note: dL = deciliter
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What abnormal results meanAdults who have been exposed to lead should have blood lead levels below 40 micrograms/dL. Treatment is recommended if you have symptoms of lead poisoning, or if your blood lead level is greater than 60 micrograms/dL.
In children, a blood lead level greater than 10 micrograms/dL requires further testing and monitoring. The source of lead must be found and removed. A lead level greater than 45 micrograms/dL in a child's blood usually indicates the need for treatment. However, treatment may be considered with a level as low as 20 micrograms/dL.
What the risks areVeins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Fainting or feeling light-headed
- Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
McGuigan MA. Chronic poisoning: trace metals and others. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 20.
Shannon MW. Lead. In: Shannon MW, Borron SW, Burns MJ, eds. Haddad and Winchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 73.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/30/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Why do they test for lead in blood?
Lead is a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time and cause serious health problems, especially in children. Blood lead tests are done to measure levels of lead in the body and identify exposure. High levels of lead can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other long-term health issues.
Can high levels of ketones in the blood lead to high pH of urine?
Yes, high levels of ketones in the blood can lead to an increase in urine pH. Ketones are acidic compounds, so as the body tries to eliminate them through urine, it can lead to a higher pH in the urine. This can be a sign of a metabolic imbalance such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
What are considered safe levels of lead in human blood in ppm?
The safe level of lead in human blood is less than 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Lead levels above this threshold are considered elevated and may pose health risks, especially for children whose developing brains are more susceptible to the effects of lead exposure.
What is a result of hyperventilation?
Hyperventilation can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, tingling in the extremities, and feelings of confusion or lightheadedness. This can also lead to respiratory alkalosis, a condition characterized by a higher pH level in the blood.
What is choleteral and how does it affect HBP?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood that your body needs to build healthy cells, but high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. High cholesterol levels can contribute to high blood pressure by stiffening and narrowing blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, thus raising blood pressure.
What are the dangers of swallowing lead?
Lead poisoning will occur if high levels of lead occur in the blood.
Can potassium in soda raise blood levels?
The potassium in soda actually causes blood potassium to drop which can lead to muscle problems and heart rhythm abnormalities. This may also lead to lower calcium levels in the blood and bones.
What is the relationship between blood potassium and bicarbonate levels?
Blood potassium and bicarbonate levels are both important electrolytes that play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance in the body. Potassium and bicarbonate levels are inversely related, meaning that when one increases, the other tends to decrease, and vice versa. This relationship helps regulate the body's pH levels and overall acid-base equilibrium. Imbalances in either potassium or bicarbonate levels can lead to serious health issues, such as metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
What are symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels?
Low blood sugar levels can lead to fatigue, hunger, and dizziness. High blood sugar levels is a sign of a poor diet (too many carbohydrates in the diet), and can eventually result in diabetes.
High levels of ketones in the blood can lead to diabetes insipidushigh pH of urine or acidosis.?
acidosis
Why do they test for lead in blood?
Lead is a toxic metal that can build up in the body over time and cause serious health problems, especially in children. Blood lead tests are done to measure levels of lead in the body and identify exposure. High levels of lead can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, and other long-term health issues.
Which mineral helps the body maintain normal blood sugar levels?
Magnesium helps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Deficiency of Magnesium can lead to insulin resistance or deficeincy of insulin. Both insulin resistance and insulin deficiency can lead to diabetes.
Why is the recognition and treatment of acute changes in blood sugar levels so important?
When blood sugar levels are too high, there is a risk for coma and seizure. It may also lead to a condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis which may lead to death if left untreated.
What medical condition involves excess levels of monosaccharides in the blood?
Diabetes is the medical condition that involves excess levels of monosacchandes in the blood. This is a problem with the pancreas, and can often lead to other health problems.
Can low blood sugars lead to diabetes?
High insulin levels occur in an attempt to counter high levels of sugar. Type II diabetes is caused by insulin receptors on cells not having much of a response to insulin. Hence, more insulin is released in an attempt to lower the blood sugar levels. This is why high insulin levels are a symptom of Type II diabetes, not a cause.
Is the under secretion of this endocrine gland that will lead to low calcium levels in the blood?
lower blood calcuium is location ?behind the thyroid gland
High levels of a fatty substance in the blood?
Not necessarily good, fatty substance in the blood can lead blood clots. Clots around the heart can lead to a heart attack. If you have high levels that means you have a high cholesterol. In which case you should visit the doctor. They can prescribe medications to help lower these levels. You can also help by eating less fatty foods and exercising regularly.
