24-Hour Urine Lead (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the total amount of lead found in your urine over a 24-hour period. Lead is a heavy metal that can build up in the body and may cause health problems if present in high levels.
["This test helps assess long-term lead exposure and its potential impact on your health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14333-9
- Short code
- Lead 24h Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- Lead 24h Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of lead poisoning (such as fatigue, headaches, or abdominal pain), if you work in an environment with potential lead exposure (e.g., construction, battery manufacturing), or if you have a history of lead exposure. It can also be used to monitor lead levels in children or individuals with known lead-related conditions.
How Is the Test Performed?
You will collect all urine for a full 24-hour period in a special container. Typically, you start the collection after urinating in the morning and continue collecting every time you urinate until you urinate again the next morning. The collected urine is then sent to a lab for testing.
What Do the Results Mean?
The results show the total lead content in your urine over the 24-hour period. Higher levels may indicate recent or ongoing lead exposure. However, reference ranges can vary by lab, and your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
What Are Possible Risks or Side Effects?
There are generally no risks associated with this test. The only minor inconvenience is collecting urine over a full day, which may require planning around your schedule.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body over time and affect various organs, particularly the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Chronic exposure to lead can lead to developmental issues in children, neurological damage, and other health problems. The 24-hour urine lead test is particularly useful for detecting lead exposure that may not be detected by single-point blood tests, as it reflects recent metabolic processing of lead.
Short name
24-Hour Lead Urine Test
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect to take this test?
What should I do if I have concerns about lead exposure?
Can I drink alcohol or take certain medications before the test?
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