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Test Code PBHA Lead, Hair

Reporting Name

Lead, Hair

Useful For

Detecting lead exposure using hair specimens

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Hair


Necessary Information


Indicate source of hair (axillary, head, or pubic), if known



Specimen Required


Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565)

Specimen Volume: 0.2 g

Collection Instructions: Prepare and transport specimen per the instructions in the kit or see Collecting Hair and Nails for Metals Testing.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.05 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Hair Ambient (preferred)
  Frozen 
  Refrigerated 

Reference Values

<4.0 mcg/g of hair

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83655

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PBHA Lead, Hair 5673-9

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
31898 Lead, Hair 5673-9
PBHSC Specimen Source 31208-2

Clinical Information

Hair analysis for lead can be used to corroborate blood analysis or to document past lead exposure. If the hair is collected and segmented in a time sequence (based on length from root), the approximate time of exposure can be assessed.

Interpretation

Normal hair lead content is below 4.0 mcg/g. While hair lead content above 10.0 mcg/g may indicate significant lead exposure, hair is also subject to potential external contamination with environmental lead and contaminants in artificial hair treatments (eg, dyeing, bleaching, or permanents). Ultimately, the hair lead content needs to be interpreted in addition to the overall clinical scenario including symptoms, physical findings, and other diagnostic results when determining further actions.

Cautions

Blood lead analysis has the strongest correlation with toxicity.

Report Available

2 to 8 days

Reject Due To

  All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.

Method Name

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)