Lead test

This test measures the amount of lead in your child's blood. It's usually done on blood taken from a small poke in the heel or a finger, or from a vein in the arm.

A high level of lead in the blood is called lead poisoning. It's most harmful to children younger than age 6 (especially those younger than age 3). It can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, damage to the brain and kidneys, and anemia.

Testing for lead is done to:

• Diagnose lead poisoning.
• See how well treatment for lead poisoning is working.
• Look for lead poisoning in people who work with lead or lead products or who live in places where the chance of poisoning is high, such as in a large city.
• Check for the amount of lead in people who live with or play with children who have lead poisoning.

Blood sample from a heel stick

A heel stick is used to get a blood sample from a baby. The baby's heel is poked, and several drops of blood are collected. Your baby may have a tiny bruise where the heel was poked.

Blood sample from a vein

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

• In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Be sure to tell your doctor if you are using any herbal medicines.

Each lab has a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn’t in the normal range may still be normal for you.

Results are usually available within 1 week.

Your doctor will likely want to do more evaluation and another blood lead level test if:

• Your child age 1 to 5 years has a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) or higher (or 0.24 micromoles per liter (mcmol/L) or higher).
• Your older child or you have a blood lead level around 10 mcg/dL or higher (or 0.48 mcmol/L or higher).