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Lead (Pb) Test

Test Overview

This test measures the amount of lead in a person's blood. Lead is a poisonous (toxic) metal that can damage the brain and other parts of the body. A lead test may be done on blood taken 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. A pregnant woman who is exposed to lead can pass it to her baby (fetus, Opens dialog). Lead can also be passed to a baby through the mother's breast milk.

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Why It Is Done

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

 

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