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Lead Test

Dr Pravallika KLast Updated on 4th April 2022

A lead blood test is done to screen for elevated concentrations of lead in an individual's blood. Lead is a metal that is known to be poisonous. It is found in house paints(older houses), certain household products, petrol, and sometimes drinking water sources can have lead pipelines, found in some toys or jewellery. Children can be exposed to lead in soil by touching, breathing, or playing in lead-contaminated soil. Certain work activities or hobbies can cause exposure to lead. A lead blood test is done in the early stages of a child’s growth and adults who get exposed to lead frequently. In children, it is usually done by the age of 2. However, it is recommended at a later age as well if there is a suspicion that a child might have been exposed to lead. It is difficult to detect lead concentrations unless it is accumulated in large amounts. People in a completely healthy state can also have higher than usual amounts of lead. Excess lead in the body can cause severe damage without causing any symptoms in the individual. Children can have impaired learning, reduced ability to pay attention and underperformance in school. Lead affects Kidney and nerve functioning. Lead can cause miscarriages and birth defects. Lead poisoning can prove to be fatal when detected in very high amounts.

What is a Lead Blood Test Used For?What is Included in the Lead Blood Test?Procedure for the Lead Blood Test How to Prepare for a Lead Blood Test?Things to Consider after the Lead Blood Test is Complete How Much Does A Lead Blood Test Cost?How Long Does It Take to Get the Lead Blood Test Results?What Do Abnormal Lead Blood Test Results Indicate?Lead Blood Test at Home – How Does it Work?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a Lead Blood Test Used For?

A lead blood test is used to screen for elevated levels of lead in a person’s blood. The vulnerable age group is children aged between zero and six years and need screening for Lead levels. Adults should get tested if they may have been exposed to lead where they live or work. A Lead test is done if a person shows symptoms of lead poisoning. Used to see the response to treatment for lead poisoning.

Although lead can be difficult to detect, it is recommended to get tested if the person is suspected to have lead exposure, and shows the following symptoms:

Loss of appetite
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Headache
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Sluggishness
Constipation

What is Included in the Lead Blood Test?

In a lead blood test, the concentration level of lead in an individual’s blood is measured. A lead blood test is carried out to detect lead poisoning and to plan treatment for the same. There is a certain amount of lead naturally present in the human body. However, lead can be harmful if it exceeds a certain level.

Up to 5 mcg/dl is considered a safe level for children. If a child’s blood lead level is 45 mcg/dl or higher, they will need treatment.

In adults, lead blood levels up to 10 mcg/dl are considered normal. Lead levels exceeding 80 mcg/dl require treatment in adults. If lead levels in the blood are more than 40 mcg/dl and if there are symptoms of lead poisoning in adults, then treatment may be necessary.

Procedure for the Lead Blood Test

A simple blood test is enough to measure lead concentrations in your blood. The lab technician will tie an elastic band around your arm for easier blood flow. He will then sterilize a small area from where the blood will be drawn to avoid infections. The blood is usually taken from a vein in the arm by a sterile needle, or sometimes by pricking the finger. After the blood sample is successfully drawn out of your arm, the technician will apply a bandage to the sample collection site to avoid bleeding and further bruising.

Book a lead blood test to check your lead concentration level!

How to Prepare for a Lead Blood Test?

There is no special preparation required to take the lead blood test. The only requirement is that the patient should let their doctor know about any medications they have been taking. Lead concentration can be easily measured through a simple blood test, and there is no preparation required for a blood test under any circumstance.

For children, to make them feel less nervous, it will be helpful if the procedure is explained and how it feels after the test.

Things to Consider after the Lead Blood Test is Complete

After the blood test is complete, the patient must take adequate rest for some time and can proceed with routine activities after some time like any regular blood test. The patient should then consult their doctor with reports, and depending upon the results, they should take appropriate measures. One should avoid self-diagnosis in any condition.

If the reports indicate that the lead levels are more than normal, one must take measures to reduce exposure to lead and avoid it as much as possible to bring lead levels down to the regular level.

What Types of Infection Can A Lead Blood Test Detect?

The lead blood test measures the amount of lead present in your blood. An unreasonable amount of lead concentration can be fatal. A person must check the lead level in their blood if they are at risk of exposure as an asymptomatic person can also have high lead levels.

How Much Does A Lead Blood Test Cost?*

The cost of a lead blood test can vary from city to city. The range varies from Rs. 1200 to Rs. 1900. This is a table to better understand prices and to book the lead blood test.

City Name	Price
Bangalore	Rs 1200.0
Delhi	Rs 1260.0
Rohtak	Rs 1300.0
Chennai	Rs 1830.0
Mumbai	Rs 1830.0
Thane	Rs 1830.0

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How Long Does It Take to Get the Lead Blood Test Results?

You can expect to get the results of the lead blood test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.

What Do Abnormal Lead Blood Test Results Indicate?

Lead concentration is measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl). The normal lead level in children is expected to be below 5 mcg/dl and 10 mcg/dl in adults. If the parameters indicate higher than normal levels of lead concentration in the reports, the results are declared to be abnormal. In such cases, the patient should take consultation with a doctor and follow appropriate measures as advised to reduce the lead concentration to a normal level.

A very common and the first step is to eliminate exposure to lead sources. Lead exposure can come from various areas. People who are into fieldwork are prone to lead exposure. Places like factories involving car batteries or old homes.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor to interpret the test reports.

Is the Lead Blood Test A Definitive Test?

A lead blood test is usually considered an accurate test of measuring lead level in blood and can be relied upon. A normal blood test will determine if there is a regular amount of lead or if there is an abnormality. Venipuncture has proved to be more accurate than the finger pricking method, as samples from finger pricking can produce false-positive results.

How to Read the Lead Blood Test Report?

The table below will help in better understanding a lead blood test report in adults.

Reference Range	Interpretation
25 to 49.9 mcg/dl	Exposure removal if symptomatic
Less than 23 µg/L	Normal(URINE)
50 to 79.9 µg/dl	Immediate evaluation
80 & Above	Chelation therapy
00 to 9.9 µg/dl*	No additional action
10 to 24.9 µg/dl	Identify and minimize exposure

In children, the lead concentration of more than or equal to 5 mcg/dl needs further monitoring. Source of lead to be found and eliminated. If levels are more than 45 mcg/dl needs treatment. If symptomatic treatment is considered even when the lead levels are at 20 mcg/dl.

Book a lead blood test to check your lead level!

Why to Book A Lead Blood Test?

We naturally have minimal amounts of lead in our bodies, but no amount of lead is safe. Exposure to lead can be harmful to both children and adults. It can affect children’s growth in the early development stage and can also harm mental development. Some symptoms or signs that are seen in lead poisoning are mentioned below.

Symptoms/signs of lead poisoning in children:

Extreme fatigue
Weight loss
Irritability
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Vomiting
Seizures
Headache
Hair Loss
Anemia or reduced call counts
Learning disabilities
Difficulty in paying attention

Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults:

Headache
High blood pressure
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Pain and Tingling in hands and feet
Infertility
Difficulty in concentrating
Miscarriage or premature births
Mood changes
Memory loss
Seizures
Coma

Lead Blood Test at Home – How Does it Work?

The lead blood test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a needle attached to a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vacuum. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are There Any Risks Involved with A Lead Blood Test?

The risk of drawing blood from the body is always low. Some risks are mentioned below:

Excessive Bleeding
Bruising
Skin Infection
Fainting

What Can Affect the Results of A Lead Blood Test?

There are various factors that might affect the results of a lead blood test, some are mentioned below:

People should avoid the use of consumer lead test kits. These kits tend to show either false positive or false negative results. This may be due to the lack of experience of the user as well as compromised the quality of the kits.
According to a study, blood drawn from veins can lead to false results and hence it is advisable to draw blood from the finger pricking method for accurate results.
Lack of proper nutrition may affect the blood results. One should maintain a healthy diet to avoid such problems.

Book a lead blood test to check your lead level!

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for lead test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety by wearing masks and gloves and frequently sanitizing themselves during sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my lead test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on lead tests?

Usually, you can avail yourself up to a 50% discount on lead tests through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?

In adults, symptoms of lead poisoning include headache, mood disorder, fatigue, high blood pressure, muscle pain, joint pain, infertility, miscarriage, hearing loss, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, hypertension, etc.

Symptoms of lead poisoning in children include developmental delays, learning disabilities, difficulty in paying attention, extreme weakness, constipation, vomiting, weight loss, irritability, etc.

What other tests are usually recommended along with the lead test?

A simple blood test is enough to determine lead levels in the blood. However, after obtaining the results, your doctor might advise extra tests depending on your lead level test results. Your doctor might advise for iron profile, electrolytes, urinalysis, and liver and kidney function tests.

Can I avail at-home sample collection?

Yes. You can avail of an at-home sample collection. You can visit the MFine application to book an appointment, and the assigned phlebotomist will come to the provided resident address.

How can I reschedule my appointment for sample collection?

To reschedule your appointment for sample collection or any other query as such, you can contact the lab team or the support team through the MFine application.