The Lead Test measures the level of lead in the bloodstream through a venipuncture draw (a needle is used to draw blood from a vein). Lead is a toxic metal found naturally in air, water, soil, and in many consumer products. People may have a small amount of lead in the blood from these exposures. However, high levels of lead may indicate significant exposure in your home, workplace, or environment. Lead toxicity can damage the brain, organs, and nervous system. Children are at particular risk of being harmed by lead exposure because their bodies are developing rapidly and able to absorb lead more easily than older children and adults.
What is tested?
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be toxic to humans and can cause damage to the brain, organs, and nervous system. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment and may also be combined with other materials to make a wide variety of products such as lead-based paint and leaded gasoline, both of which are now banned in the United States. Federal and state regulatory standards have helped to reduce the amount of lead in air, drinking water, soil, consumer products, food, and occupational settings. However, lead may still be present in the paint of older homes and workplaces or contaminated dust, as well as in many imported products. Any amount of lead is unsafe, and both long-term and high levels of exposure can cause severe health problems.
Children are at higher risk of being harmed from lead exposure because their bodies are developing rapidly and able to absorb lead more easily than older children and adults. Further, young children have increased exposure to lead due to crawling on surfaces and repeatedly putting their hands and other items in their mouths. Any lead exposure can cause harm to children.
This test measures the levels of lead in the bloodstream to monitor exposure to lead.
Signs & Symptoms
Lead poisoning can be life-threatening. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of lead poisoning, contact your healthcare provider or poison control center immediately.
Prolonged exposure to lead can cause developmental, behavioral, and learning deficiencies in children. Lead exposure in adults may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease, and possibly cancer.
Signs and symptoms of lead exposure may include the following:
Eligibility
The Lead Test is for all children 12 months of age or older and adults who may have been exposed to lead. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.
Preparing For Your Test
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.
After The Test
When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results. If your results differ from the expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.
