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Blood lead testing is provided on both capillary and venous drawn whole blood samples for the identification of childhood lead poisoning and occupational lead exposure. In addition to testing, the staff can answer questions regarding collection kits, collection procedures, result interpretation, and other issues related to lead poisoning, detection, and prevention Capillary specimen collection:
Venous specimen collection: A venous specimen is the preferred specimen type due to the smaller risk of environmental contamination. Specimens should be collected in EDTA tubes following standard venous blood collection procedures. Heparin is also an acceptable anticoagulant. The lab does not typically provide supplies for collecting venous specimens. Testing Procedure:
Whole blood is diluted with a matrix modifier solution of ammonium phosphate/Triton X-100/nitric acid and analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
Wisconsin Contacts: For information regarding appropriate medical and environmental follow-up for children with elevated blood lead levels, contact the WI Division of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 608-266-5817. For information regarding adult lead exposure, the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance Program (ABLES), the Occupational Safety and Health Agency onsite occupational health/industrial hygiene consultation for small and medium sized businesses, and lead training and certification, contact WI Department of Health & Family Services – Occupational Health at 608-266-1295. Links: WI Dept Health & Family Services – Occupational Health WI State Lab of Hygiene EHD water testing Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program National Lead Information Center Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry US Dept of Labor, Occupational & Safety Administration (OSHA) |
