Reference range(s)
The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of May 8, 2024.
| Component | Age | Male Norm | Male Critical Low | Male Critical High | Female Norm | Female Critical High | Female Critical Low | Units | Add'l info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead, Blood | >=6Y | < or = 4.9 ug/dL | < or = 4.9 ug/dL | ug/dL | Analysis ... Note1 | ||||
| Lead, Blood | 0-5Y | < or = 3.4 ug/dL | < or = 3.4 ug/dL | ug/dL | Analysis ... Note1 |
Note1:
Analysis performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
(ICP-MS).
Elevated results may be due to skin or collection-related
contamination, including the use of a noncertified lead-free
tube. If contamination concerns exist due to elevated levels of
blood lead, confirmation with a second specimen collected in a
certified lead-free tube is recommended.
Information sources for blood lead reference intervals and
interpretive comments include the CDC's "Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention: Recommended Actions Based on Blood
Lead Level" and the "Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and
Surveillance: Reference Blood Lead Levels (BLLs) for Adults in
the U.S." Thresholds and time intervals for retesting, medical
evaluation, and response vary by state and regulatory body.
Contact your State Department of Health and/or applicable
regulatory agency for specific guidance on medical
management recommendations.
Group Concentration Comment
Children 3.5-19.9 ug/dL Children under the age of 6
years are the most vulnerable
to the harmful effects of
lead exposure. Environmental
investigation and exposure
history to identify potential
sources of lead. Biological
and nutritional monitoring
are recommended. Follow-up
blood lead monitoring is
recommended.
20-44.9 ug/dL Lead hazard reduction and
prompt medical evaluation are
recommended. Contact a
Pediatric Environmental
Health Specialty Unit or
poison control center for
guidance.
Greater than Critical. Immediate medical
44.9 ug/dL evaluation, including
detailed neurological exam is
recommended. Consider
chelation therapy when
symptoms of lead toxicity are
present. Contact a Pediatric
Environmental Health
Specialty Unit or poison
control center for
assistance.
Adult 5-19.9 ug/dL Medical removal is
recommended for pregnant
women or those who are trying
or may become pregnant.
Adverse health effects are
possible. Reduced lead
exposure and increased blood
lead monitoring are
recommended.
20-69.9 ug/dL Adverse health effects are
indicated. Medical removal
from lead exposure is
required by OSHA if blood
lead level exceeds 50 ug/dL.
Prompt medical evaluation is
recommended.
Greater than Critical. Immediate medical
69.9 ug/dL evaluation is recommended.
Consider chelation therapy
when symptoms of lead
toxicity are present.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics
determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This test
was performed in a CLIA-certified laboratory and is intended
for clinical purposes.
.