Results
This test measures the amount of lead in
the blood. Lead is a poisonous (toxic) metal that can damage the brain and
other parts of the body. A small amount is present in most people.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Results are usually available within 1 week.
Lead| Normal: | 0–10
or less than 0.48
|
|---|
If your blood test result is 10 mcg/dL or higher, your
doctor will want you to have another blood test. How soon you will be retested
is based on the results of your first test. If the result is only slightly
high, you may be retested in a month. If it is very high, your doctor may want
to repeat the test within a few days.
Levels of poisoning
There are five classes of lead levels, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. These levels range from class 1 (no , or less
than 10 mcg/dL) to class 5 (a medical emergency of at least 70 mcg/dL).
Lead blood level classification| Class | Blood lead level | Possible effects in children |
|---|
1 | 1–9
or less than 0.48
| Learning problems |
2A | 10–14 mcg/dL or 0.48–0.68
mcmol/L | Hearing problems, slowed growth,
learning problems |
2B | 15–19 mcg/dL or 0.70–0.96
mcmol/L |
3 | 20–44 mcg/dL or 0.97–2.1 mcmol/L | Headache, weight loss, nervous system
problems |
4 | 45–69 mcg/dL or 2.17–3.33
mcmol/L | Severe stomach cramps, poor production of
red blood cells (anemia), seizures |
5 | More than 69 mcg/dL or more than 3.33
mcmol/L | Severe brain damage leading to
death |