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At-home lab testing typically involves using a kit to collect biological samples, such as saliva or urine, and interpreting the results without the guidance of a medical professional. To help make blood tests more accessible, the at-home lab testing industry is widening its reach. Increasingly, you can make an appointment for at-home visits by certified phlebotomists for a wide range of diagnostic tests.
If you are testing paint, test each different paint color. The reason lead tests are so prevalent is because lead is a very common compound in our environment. It’s been used for centuries and people are still using it daily. Lead is also highly toxic to the environment and people can die from it simply by breathing too much of it. Some people are even dying from eating tainted fish and drinking too much of it.
Lead Blood Test – Causes, Symptoms, Complication and Treatment
The higher the test result, the more lead there is in the blood. However, the amount of lead in the blood does not necessarily reflect the total amount of lead in the body. The danger that a particular lead level represents depends on the age and health of the person, the amount of lead they are exposed to, and the amount of time that they are exposed to elevated lead levels.
In addition, approximately 10 million people receive their water from pipes that are at least partially lead. If test results from a fingerstick are abnormal, a second test should be done on blood drawn from a vein to confirm the results. Unfortunately, the effects of lead poisoning cannot be reversed but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage. No lead levels have been found to be safe in kids, and even small amounts have been linked to behavioral issues and drops in IQ.
What Do the Results Mean?
If your child may have been exposed to lead, talk to your healthcare provider about getting a blood lead test. Based on your child’s blood lead test results, healthcare providers can recommend follow-up actions and care. A blood lead level test should be done only if the risk assessment comes back positive. In cases of very high lead levels (45 µg/dL or higher), advanced treatment might be needed, especially in kids. Some state and local governments require that all children be tested for lead exposure. The state of New York, for example, requires lead blood tests in children at the age of 1 and then again at 2.
Parents should talk to their child’s healthcare provider about whether their child needs to be tested for lead. The child’s healthcare provider may ask questions to see if the child is at risk for lead poisoning. The best way to know if a child has been exposed to lead is to have their blood tested. Though the effects of lead poisoning aren’t reversible, you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure.
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Lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain, organs, and nervous system. Even so, because most cases of lead poisoning don't show any symptoms at all, a physical exam might not be enough to spot it. That's why blood tests are still a critical and primary tool used to diagnose lead toxicity. Despite the EPA’s commitment of resources to this effort, to date no lead test kit has met both of the performance criteria outlined in the RRP rule. However, there are three EPA-recognized lead test kits that meet the negative response criterion and continue to be recognized by EPA.
It's only in the blood for a little while after exposure, meaning someone in contact with lead over a long period of time could have a high level of lead in their body even if a blood test comes back normal. The most dangerous source of lead for children, especially, is lead-based paint, which was often used in homes prior to the 1970s. The Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both offer guidance on how to avoid common sources of lead. Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research.
A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider. Lead blood testing is also included as part of aHeavy Metal Profile IandHeavy Metals Profile II. Lead blood testing is also included as part of a Heavy Metal Profile I and Heavy Metals Profile II. A drop of blood will then be collected onto a slide or test strip and sent to the laboratory for testing. For more information on caring for children with lead in their blood, refer to CDC’s Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level.
Find information on why a blood gas test done, what to expect during the procedure, and how to interpret the test results. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. It can also be a convenient and potentially lower-cost alternative to testing in a clinical setting. Masutto added that if you decide to test at home, you should be well-rested, well-hydrated, and calm during the lab draw to avoid any possible side effects. “Previously, providers needed medical facilities to see their patients. However, 40% of patients skip their scheduled medical appointments,” Michelson said.
After the venipuncture, you may notice a slight bruise at the site of blood withdrawal. If the bruising doesn’t disappear after a few hours, please contact your doctor. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences.
Adult lead exposure is usually related to occupational or recreational exposure. Children of those who work with lead may also become exposed when lead contamination is brought home on the work clothes of their parents. Lead and organic lead compounds have numerous commercial and industrial applications, including paints, plastics, storage batteries, bearing alloys, insecticides, and ceramics. Exposure may also occur through the inhalation of dust containing lead emitted by automobile exhaust. A common source of lead exposure among children is through the mouthing of inanimate objects, specifically objects with paint and paint chips that contain lead.
Additionally, people in developing countries are also at a higher risk. Because developing countries often have less strict rules regarding exposure to lead than do developed countries. So, when you adopt a child from a developing country, their lead levels should be checked. When you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, be careful to avoid exposure to lead.
Lead in paint, dust, and soil is a problem for children because it gets in their bodies when they put their fingers, toys, or paint chips or dust into their mouths. Lead can also harm a pregnant woman and her developing fetus. Children are particularly susceptible to lead exposure because they often tend to put their fingers or objects into their mouths. They are also highly vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults because even low levels can hamper their growth and development. But with the rise of home testing, the need for a home blood test is skyrocketing. That’s because tests at home are much more effective and more accessible.
Adults who have hobbies that involve lead-based paints, ceramics, or gasoline also should be tested. Sampling time is not critical for industrial exposure monitoring. After a couple of weeks of exposure, specimens can be collected at any time. American Academy of Pediatrics.Prevention of childhood lead toxicity.
Post your sample Send your sample back on the same day you take it in the freepost pack to our laboratory. Get your results View your results with doctor's advice on your personal online dashboard. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding may be screened if they are at increased risk of lead exposure.
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