Lead: Results

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Results

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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

Although it is not normal to have lead in your body, a small amount is present in most people. 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	Hearing problems, slowed growth, learning problems
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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Last updated:	June 26, 2008
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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