Blood Lead Level (Qualitative or Quantitative Screening/Confirmation)
This test measures the amount of lead in your blood, often used to check for exposure to lead, which can be harmful to children and adults.
["Lead exposure can cause serious health effects, especially in children, and this test helps identify potential risks quickly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88246-4
- Short code
- KPCPCR
- Synonyms
- blaKPC Bld Pos Ql Probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Positive blood culture bottle (aerobic or anaerobic) with confirmed bacterial growth; submit in original blood culture bottle or aliquot in sterile screw-cap tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe
- CPT
- 87150
- SNOMED
- 426396003
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL aliquot from positive blood culture bottle
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 24 hours; refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 7 days if testing delayed; do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 2–8 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or behavioral changes, or if you live in an area with known lead contamination. Children are tested more frequently due to higher sensitivity to lead’s effects.
What Does the Test Involve?
A small blood sample is taken from your arm, usually by a phlebotomist. The sample is then analyzed to detect lead levels. Results may be qualitative (yes/no) or quantitative (specific measurement).
What Are Possible Results?
Results can indicate whether lead is present above normal levels. If elevated, further testing or follow-up may be needed to determine sources of exposure and appropriate actions.
What Does High Lead Exposure Mean?
High levels of lead in the blood can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and other organs. In children, it may lead to developmental delays or learning difficulties. Adults may experience symptoms like abdominal pain or nerve damage.
Reference range
Negative (blaKPC gene not detected)N/A
No fasting required. Specimen must be a positive blood culture (demonstrating bacterial growth) for testing to be performed. Collect blood cultures prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy whenever possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Lead exposure can stem from contaminated food, water, dust, or environmental sources like old paint or pipes. Healthcare providers may recommend reducing exposure, chelation therapy (in severe cases), or monitoring if levels remain elevated.
Short name
Lead Exposure Test
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test if I have a history of lead exposure?
What are the most common symptoms of lead poisoning?
Can lead poisoning be treated?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy