Test Details
Methodology
Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma/mass spectrometry (ICP/MS)
Result Turnaround Time
2 - 4 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
Monitor maternal blood for environmental lead exposure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following testing schedule for frequency of maternal blood lead follow-up during pregnancy.1 See table.
Result of Screening Test | Perform Diagnostic Test on Venous Blood |
|---|---|
<5 μg/dL | No follow-up is indicated. |
5−14 μg/dL | Within one month. Obtain a maternal BLL or cord BLL at delivery. |
15−24 μg/dL | Within one month and then every two to three months. Obtain a maternal BLL or cord BLL at delivery. |
25−44 μg/dL | Within one to four weeks and then every month. Obtain a maternal BLL or cord BLL at delivery. Within 24 hours and then at frequent intervals depending on clinical interventions and trends in BLL. Consultation with a clinician experienced in the management of pregnant women with BLLs in this range is strongly advised. Obtain a maternal BLL or cord BLL at delivery. |
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by LabCorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Whole blood
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Royal blue-top (EDTA) tube or tan-top lead-free tube; submit original unopened tube
Collection Instructions
Mix blood thoroughly to avoid clotting.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Frozen | 14 days |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x2 |
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Clotted specimen
Footnotes
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 700433 | Lead, Maternal Blood | 77307-7 | 700440 | Lead, Blood (Maternal) | ug/dL | 77307-7 |
| Order Code | 700433 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Lead, Maternal Blood | |||||
| Order Loinc | 77307-7 | |||||
| Result Code | 700440 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Lead, Blood (Maternal) | |||||
| UofM | ug/dL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 77307-7 |