Lead

Test Overview

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. A lead blood test may be done on blood drawn from the vein, a finger (finger stick), or the heel (heel stick).

A person can be exposed to lead:

• By eating or drinking lead-contaminated foods, water, or other material (such as paint chips).
• By breathing dust or smoke containing lead.
• Through skin contact with lead.

There is no safe age to be exposed to lead. Adults can have problems from lead poisoning, but it is most harmful to children younger than age 6 (especially those younger than age 3) because it can permanently affect their growth and development. A pregnant woman who is exposed to lead can pass it to her unborn baby (fetus). Lead can also be passed to a baby through the mother's breast milk.

	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: July 26, 2006
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.