Lead (Venous)

Test Code

LEAD

Quest Code

599

Alias/See Also

LEAD,BLOOD

CPT Codes
83655

Preferred Specimen

3 mL whole blood collected in a K2 EDTA (tan-top) tube, or EDTA (royal blue-top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Whole blood collected in: Sodium heparin lead-free (tan-top) tube, or sodium heparin (royal blue-top) tube

Instructions

Collection material such as alcohol swabs should be lead-free. Use powderless gloves. Once washed, fingers must not come into contact with any surface. Clean skin (area for venipuncture) with lead-free alcohol swab prior to puncture. Avoid worksite collection.

Note: Lead Testing will not be performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube or non acid-washed/non metal-free container.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 60 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Clotted specimen • EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Methodology
Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) or Atomic Spectroscopy (AS)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days

Reference Range

<3.5 mcg/dL

Blood lead levels in the range of 5-9 mcg/dL have been associated with adverse health effects in children aged 6 years and younger. Patient management varies by age and CDC Blood Level Range. Refer to the CDC website regarding Lead Publications/Case Management for recommended interventions.

Clinical Significance

Blood lead level analysis is performed to evaluate the body burden of lead.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.