Lead, Blood
Understanding Lead, Blood
What is Lead, Blood?
Lead is a toxic metal that affects multiple body systems. We probably all have at least a little exposure to lead because it’s all around us. But exposure to high amounts of lead can be dangerous. Even with long-term exposure to low levels, lead can cause irreversible damage without associated physical symptoms. The lead test measures the lead level in your blood and helps determine its possible exposure. This test screens adults and children at risk for lead poisoning. In children, this test helps to monitor growth retardation. Also, this test is helpful for monitoring lead levels at workplaces where lead exposure could be a possibility. Furthermore, this test helps measure how well treatment for lead poisoning works.
What is Lead, Blood used for?
The Blood Lead Test is performed:
· To detect lead poisoning, especially in children
· To monitor treatment for lead poisoning
Interpreting Lead, Blood results
Interpretations
Acceptable range:
Children: Below 10 µg/dL
Adults: Below 25 µg/dL
Acceptable for industrial exposure: Below 50 µg/dL
Toxicity: 100 µg/dL and above
Lead is toxic even in trace amounts, thus there is no normal range for lead.