Lead Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Range, & More

Table of Content

Introduction To Lead Test

The lead blood test is important to detect lead poisoning, which can cause severe health complications and may also affect the nervous system, kidneys, and blood formation processes. Lead exposure is most common in environments with high industrial activity, old lead-based paints, contaminated soil, and certain types of plumbing.

Lead poisoning is dangerous for children, pregnant women, and workers exposed to lead-based products. 

Children are at high risk of lead poisoning as they could accidentally ingest sources of lead, and their smaller bodies lower doses more dangerous than adults. The lead test can identify even low levels of lead in the blood. 

The lead test also helps to identify the cause of various health complications, including cognitive impairment in children, development delays, and indifferent organ dysfunctions in adults. However, high doses of lead can adversely impact anyone, so it is important to get tested to understand the signs and symptoms. If your doctor has recommended that you take the lead blood test, choose Redcliffe Labs to get your test done and get 100% correct reports. 

Test details in brief

Purpose of the Lead Test

The blood lead test detects exposure to lead. It may also be recommended to monitor the efficacy of treatment and confirm that lead levels decrease over time. 

• The blood lead test identifies a high lead level, which might indicate lead toxicity.
• The lead test is crucial for people living in high-risk environments, such as industrial and construction workers. 
• The lead blood test evaluates the risk of lead toxicity in children and pregnant women. Even a low level of lead can harm cognitive development and fetal health. 
• Early detection helps to prevent severe health issues, including neurological, renal, and cardiovascular problems, associated with chronic lead exposure.

Preparation for the Lead Blood Test

The blood lead test does not require any special preparation. Here is what you need to know before the test.

• Fasting- You do not need to fast before the lead blood test. You can eat as usual.
• Hydration—You can drink water before the blood lead test. Hydration keeps you feeling good and also makes the blood draw process smoother.
• Alcohol- Avoid drinking alcohol at least 11-12 hours before taking the blood lead test. Drinking alcohol may impact your test results.

The procedure of the Lead Test

The lead test requires a blood sample, usually taken from your arm. 

• Usually, the test does not require any type of special preparation. 
• The phlebotomist will draw the blood sample from the vein of your arm. 
• He will tie a band on your upper arm and then clean the area with an alcohol-based solution where the needle will be inserted into your arm.
• He will collect a small amount of blood into a tuberous and may feel a slight sting or pain during the blood collection process.
• The process of the blood sample will take only a few minutes.
• After sample collection, the healthcare provider will apply gentle pressure to the arm area and apply cotton gauze and a bandage to stop bleeding. Following the test, you can continue your normal activities.
• The blood draw process is a low-risk procedure. You might feel slight bruising at the site where the blood sample was taken. 

What do the Lead Test Results Indicate?

Your blood lead test reports will be available within 48 hours of sample collection, and you can access them through a website or app. Here is what the report indicates.

The higher the test results, the more lead is in the blood. However, the amount of lead in the blood does not mean the total amount in the body because the most lead (80% to 90%) is usually accumulated in bones and teeth. 

Children

Exposure to lead is not good for anyone; it may have serious health impacts; however, children are more impacted by its effects. According to the CDC, a blood lead reference value (BLL) of 5 mcg/dL indicates lead levels are much higher than those of most children.

Children with high BLLs should be evaluated to determine the source of lead exposure, and follow-up tests should be performed to monitor their condition. BLL will need to be monitored until the environmental investigation is completed. 

If their BLL is greater than 45 mcg/dl, the child would need chelation treatment (chelation), an oral medicine that binds lead and eliminates it through the urine. However, some children may not be able to take this medicine and will require treatment with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) via injection. 

Some children with a BLL higher than 70 mcg/dl may require immediate medical attention. 

Adults

In adults, 5 mcg/dl or above is considered a high BLL. 

Lead toxicity can also be transmitted through the blood to an unborn child; however, pregnant women must take care of this and limit their exposure to lead. 

The lead level greater than 70 mcg/dl should be considered a medical emergency. 

Who should take the Blood Lead Test?

Here is who should go for the lead blood test-

• As per the AAP and CDC, lead exposure must be assessed at 9, 12, 18, and 24 months and at 3, 4, 5, and 6 years of age. 
• People with hobbies involving lead-based paints, ceramics, or gasoline should get tested.
• Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding must take the test.

What are the common symptoms related to Lead Toxicity?

Lead poisoning can cause various symptoms in children and adults. Here are some of the lead toxicity symptoms in children-

Symptoms of Lead Toxicity in Children

• Developmental delay
• Sluggishness and fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Learning difficulties
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Hearing loss
• Seizures

Lead poisoning symptoms in newborns

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Slow growth

Lead poisoning symptoms in adults

Adults can also be impacted by lead poisoning. It may cause symptoms like:

• High blood pressure
• Joint and muscle pain
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Mood disorders
• Difficulties with memory or concentration
• Low sperm count and abnormal sperm
• Stillbirth, Miscarriage, or premature birth in pregnant women

How to prevent Lead poisoning?

There are some simple ways in which you can save yourself and your family from lead poisoning-

• Frequently wash your hands- Always carry a hand sanitizer and wash your hands after touching surfaces or things, as this may transfer contaminants into the body. Wash or clean the items you use regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet—Eat healthy and nutritious meals to lower lead absorption. Kids need enough calcium, vitamin C, and iron in their diets to help prevent lead absorption.
• Keep your home well-maintained-  If your home has lead-based paint, check the paint from peeling and fix the problems promptly. 
• Clean dirty surfaces—Clean the flowers with a wet cloth or wipe furniture and other dusty surfaces with a damp cloth. 
• Remove shoes before entering the house- Place your slippers and shoes away from your room to keep lead-based soil outside.
• Run cold wat—- If you have older lead pipes or fittings, run chilly water before using them. 

Blood Lead Test price at Redcliffe Labs

The lead blood test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 1800. You can book your blood lead test with the Redcliffe Labs app or call our customer service to book your appointment. The agents will help you to book your test. With an experienced team of Doctors, MD Pathologists, and technicians, we ensure you provide the best and most accurate reports. We have a wide network of 80+ Labs, 2000+ Collection Centres, and 1000+ Certified Sample Collection Experts across the Country. Moreover, we have fully Automated Machines with the latest technology following Six Sigma Processes to ensure 100% Report correctness. We are trusted by more than 50,000 Doctors across India. What else do you need to trust us? Call us to clear your doubts and book your appointment today!

Lead Test Price in Different Cities

Note: We also offer Lead Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Take Blood Lead Test Today!

The Blood Lead Test can help identify lead exposure in children and pregnant women, which may have serious health consequences. Even a low lead level in the blood can cause impaired cognitive function and developmental delays in children and increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney issues in adults. People exposed to lead through work, environmental factors, or older housing must take the lead test to understand the crucial insight into their health.

People who are at high risk of lead poisoning, such as children and pregnant women, must take the regular lead test. Timely detection is the key to preventing complications and allowing effective treatment. Take proactive steps to ensure your long-term health and well-being, prevent complications, and protect future health. Take the lead test today from RedcliffLabsbs to prioritize your safety and lower your risk of lead exposure.