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Lead in Tissue (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of lead stored in your body tissues, often used to assess long-term exposure to lead.

Quick summary

["Helps track past lead exposure and monitor potential health risks over time."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12770-4
Short code
Lead Tiss-mCnt
Synonyms
Lead Tiss-mCnt
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve had prolonged exposure to lead (e.g., from occupational hazards, contaminated water, or environmental sources) or if you’re at higher risk of lead poisoning. It’s also used in certain screening programs for children or adults with suspected chronic lead exposure.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a small sample of whole blood drawn from your arm. The test is quick and typically done in a lab setting.

How the Results Are Interpreted

Results are compared to reference ranges for lead in tissues, which vary by age and health status. Higher levels may indicate past exposure or ongoing health concerns.

What the Results Mean

Elevated lead levels in tissues can suggest long-term exposure that hasn’t been fully cleared from your body. This doesn’t always mean immediate harm but may warrant further evaluation or interventions to reduce future exposure.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Lead in tissues is a marker for chronic exposure and can persist for years. While acute lead poisoning is often linked to high blood lead levels, tissue levels reflect cumulative exposure over time, helping identify risks that might not be detected by blood tests alone.

Short name

Lead Tissue Level

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated lead levels in tissue tests?
Elevated lead levels in tissue tests are most commonly due to prolonged exposure to lead from sources like old paint, contaminated water, occupational environments, or dietary intake (e.g., lead-containing foods). It can also occur in individuals with certain medical conditions that affect lead metabolism.
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Results are typically available within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on lab processing times. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they’re ready to discuss the results.
Can diet or supplements affect this test?
While diet or supplements may influence blood lead levels, they generally have less impact on tissue lead concentrations. However, avoiding lead exposure during testing is still important to ensure accurate results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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