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Lead (Pb)

Chemical Pathology

Notes

Lead poisoning can occur as a result of environmental exposure and this can cause permanent health damage, especially among children. The main sources of lead exposure in the UK are air-borne lead (from industrial sources), water-borne lead (where lead dissolves readily from lead piping or from lead solder in water pipes, sometimes found in pre-1970s buildings), and occupational and hobby exposure (e.g. plumbers and stained glass artists).

Lead poisoning can affect many parts of the body, including the central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, (aplastic) anaemia, basophilic stippling of erythrocytes and peripheral neuropathy.

In children especially, lead impairs cognitive development, which can lead to learning disabilities and behavioural problems. At very high levels, it can even result in hallucinations, coma, seizures, and death.

Indications for testing:

  • Clinical signs and symptoms where lead exposure is suspected e.g. children with pica
  • Occupational exposure, e.g. plumbers, lead miners, shipbuilders, construction workers, demolition workers and pottery manufacturers
  • Adults with hobbies that involve lead-based paints, ceramics, soldering etc.

Sample requirements

For adults, 4 ml of blood taken into an EDTA tube

EDTA with cap

For children, blood taken into a 2mL EDTA tube

2ml EDTA tube

For infants, blood taken into a 1mL minicollect EDTA tube

1.0ml minicollect EDTA tube

Storage/transport

Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory. If unavoidable, samples can be stored refrigerated overnight.

Required information

  • Relevant clinical details including details of possible exposure and clinical signs and symptoms
  • For adults, please specify if the request is due to occupational exposure

Turnaround times

Samples are sent to a referral laboratory for analysis with results expected back within 2 weeks.

Reference ranges

  • Adults (environmental exposure): <0.48 µmol/L
  • Children: <0.24 µmol/L (based on the report of the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention))
  • Results for occupational exposure are reported according to HSC categories

Further information

To learn more about lead visit Lab Tests Online

For healthcare professionals please access TOXBASE

Page last updated: 28/07/2025

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