Serum Lead Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of lead present in your blood serum, often used to screen for exposure to lead, which can be harmful to children and developing adults.
["Blood lead levels help identify potential exposure to lead, which may require further evaluation or intervention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104838-8
- Short code
- Lead IgE RAST
- Synonyms
- Lead IgE RAST
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- rast
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of lead poisoning (such as fatigue, abdominal pain, or neurological issues), live in an area with high lead exposure, or if you work in an occupation involving lead (e.g., construction, manufacturing). Children are tested more frequently due to higher sensitivity to lead’s effects on development.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re a child, the process is usually quick and painless, and you may be given a small reward afterward.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to standard reference ranges for lead in blood. High levels may indicate exposure to lead from sources like contaminated food, water, or dust. Your provider will discuss the results with you and recommend next steps if needed.
Common Causes of Elevated Lead Levels
Lead exposure can come from old paint, lead-based products, contaminated soil, or certain hobbies (e.g., soldering, pottery glazes). Children are at higher risk due to their developing nervous systems and tendency to put objects in their mouths.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Lead in Blood
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test if I have a history of lead exposure?
Can lead levels drop on their own without treatment?
What should I do if my test results show elevated lead levels?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy