Lead

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.

Acceptable levels

Lead is not normally found in the blood. Values may vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available within 1 week.

Lead

Acceptable:	0–9 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or less than 0.48 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L)

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.

High levels

High levels of lead in the blood are caused by lead poisoning. There are five classes of lead poisoning, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These levels range from class 1 (no lead poisoning, 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	Effects in children
1	1–9 mcg/dL or less than 0.48 mcmol/L	Possible 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

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
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