Testing.com is fully supported by readers. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. You can read more about how we make money here.
- Also Known As:
- Blood Lead Test
- Blood Lead Level
- BLL

This page was fact checked by our expert Medical Review Board for accuracy and objectivity. Read more about our editorial policy and review process.
.-
1
Order Your Test
Online or over the phone
-
2
Find a Lab Near You
Over 3,500 locations to choose from
-
3
Get Your Results
Sent Directly to You
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To screen for possible excessive exposure to lead, especially in children
When To Get Tested?
As indicated by a child lead screening program or physician preference, such as at 1 and 2 years of age; children considered to be at risk may need additional testing from 18 months to 6 years of age; when your occupation or hobby may expose you or your family to lead; when you have symptoms suggesting lead poisoning
Sample Required?
Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm. Sometimes, blood is collected by fingerstick (or heelstick for infants). If test results from a fingerstick are abnormal, a second test should be done on blood drawn from a vein to confirm the results.
Test Preparation Needed?
None
What is being tested?
Lead is a soft metal present in the environment that is highly poisonous when absorbed into the body, affecting almost every organ. This test measures the current lead level in the blood. Approximately 1% of lead is found free in blood, so the blood lead level (BLL) may not reflect actual lead levels.
You can be exposed to lead by breathing in or ingesting lead dust or by absorbing it through your skin to a lesser degree. In adults, most lead is absorbed via inhalation, but in children most absorption occurs through the digestive tract. Once absorbed, lead is distributed to blood, soft tissues, and bone. Lead poisoning can cause damage to the brain, organs, and nervous system.
Even with long-term exposure of low levels, lead can cause irreversible damage without associated physical symptoms. In an infant, lead can cause permanent cognitive impairment, behavioral disorders, and developmental delays. Symptoms of lead toxicity are different depending on whether the exposure to lead was acute or chronic. Acute lead exposure can cause constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, joint/muscle aches, headache, depression, and decreased sex drive. At blood lead levels greater than 150 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), brain damage may occur, resulting in coma, seizure, or death. Chronic, low level exposure can cause depression, anxiety, decreased neuromotor function, anemia, and kidney damage. Chronic lead exposure has also been linked to hypertension, but the degree of association is not well established. Lead can be passed from mothers to their unborn children and can cause miscarriages and premature births.
In the past, lead was used in paints, gasoline, water pipes, and other household products, such as the solder used in canned food. Although these uses have been limited in the U.S., lead is still used in many products and industrial processes both in the U.S. and around the world. Housing built prior to 1978 may contain lead-based paint and lead-contaminated household dust. Soil surrounding these houses may also be contaminated with lead. In addition, approximately 10 million people receive their water from pipes that are at least partially lead.
Children under 3 years of age are the most susceptible to lead exposure and poisoning. Increased risk of lead toxic effects are due to an incomplete blood brain barrier, higher tendency for iron deficiency, and because children often put their hands in their mouths, accidentally ingesting lead dust or paint chips. They can also inhale lead dust and mouth or chew lead-contaminated items. Adult lead exposure is usually related to occupational or recreational (hobby) 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.
Common Questions
View Sources
Sources Used in Current Review
2020 review performed by Cierra N. Sharp, PhD, NRCC.
(March 8, 2016) Basloe, Marsha. Lead screening is important. Early Childhood Development. Available online at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ecd/lead-screening-is-important. Accessed April 8, 2020.
(March 17, 2020) Goldman, Rose H and Hu, Howard. Lead exposure and poisoning in adults. UptoDate. Available online at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/lead-exposure-and-poisoning-in-adults. Accessed April 8, 2020.
(February 12, 2019) Sample, Jennifer A. Childhood lead poisoning: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. UptoDate. Available online at https://www-uptodate-com.echo.louisville.edu/contents/childhood-lead-poisoning-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis?search=Chldhood%20lead%20poisoning&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2#H1. Accessed April 8, 2020.
(December 20, 2019) Mayo Clinic Staff. Lead poisoning. Mayo Clinic. Available online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354723. Accessed April 8, 2020.
(June 6, 1998). Committee on environmental health. Screening for elevated blood lead levels. American Academy of Pediatrics. Available online at https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/101/6/1072.full.pdf. Accessed April 8, 2020.
(May 11, 2018) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES). Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/description.html. Accessed April 10, 2020.
(July 30, 2019) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention, Pregnant Women. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/pregnant.htm. Accessed April 10, 2020.
Sources Used in Previous Reviews
National Center for Environmental Health. Screening Young Children for Lead Poisoning, 1997. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/guide/guide97.htm.
California Department of Health Services, Occupational Health Branch. “How to Prevent Lead Poisoning on Your Job”, 2000. Pp 9,10,23.
Hipkins KL, Materna BL, Kosnett MJ, Rogge JW, Cone JE. Medical surveillance of the lead exposed worker. AAOHN Journal 46(7):330-339.
Todd AC, et al. “Unraveling the chronic toxicity of lead: An essential priority for environmental health”. Environmental Health Perspectives, 104(Supp 1):141-146; March 1996.
A Manual of Laboratory & Diagnostic Tests (sixth edition), Frances Fischbach, editor. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams& Wilkins, 2000; Pp 398-400; 1179-1180.
General Industry Federal OSHA Lead Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1025
Residential Lead Hazard Standards – TSCA Section 403 Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. Available online at http://www.epa.gov/lead/leadhaz.htm.
Blood Lead Levels in Young Children — United States and Selected States, 1996-1999 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR December 22, 2000 / 49(50);1133-7.
Management Guidelines for Blood Lead Levels in Children and Adults. California Department of Health Services. Available online at http://www.dhs.cahwnet.gov/ohb/OLPPP/mgmtgdln.htm.
Michael E. Ottlinger, PhD. Senior Toxicologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, OH.
Mitchell G. Scott, PhD. Division of Laboratory Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.
Raymond K. Meister, MD, MPH. Occupational health physician.
Thomas P. Moyer, PhD. Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
(2005 October 1). Lead Exposure in Children: Prevention, Detection, and Management. American Academy of Pediatrics, PEDIATRICS Vol. 116 No. 4 October 2005, Pp. 1036-1046.
Pagana, Kathleen D. & Pagana, Timothy J. (2001). Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference 5th Edition: Mosby, Inc., Saint Louis, MO.
(2005 June 23, Reviewed) Lead Health Effects. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/lead/recognition.html.
(2005 July, Updated). Lead Poisoning in Children. Familydoctor.org [On-line information]. Available online at http://familydoctor.org/617.xml.
(2005 September, Revised). Management Guidelines for Blood Lead Levels in Children and Adults. California Department of Health Services [On-line information]. PDF available for download at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/OLPPP/mgmtgdln.pdf.
Hipkins, K. et. al. (2004 November/December). Family Lead Poisoning Associated with Occupational Exposure. Clin Pediatr 2004;43:845-849. PDF available for download at http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ohb/OLPPP/family_lead_poisoning.pdf.
(2005 May 25, Reviewed). CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, CDC Recommendations for Lead Poisoning Prevention in Newly Arrived Refugee Children. CDC National Center for Environmental Health [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Refugee%20recs.htm.
(2005 September). ToxFAQs™ for Lead. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts13.html.
(2005 September). Public Health Statement, from Toxicological Profile for Lead, Draft for Public Comment. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) [[On-line information]. Available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp13.html.
(2006 January 13, Reviewed). General Lead Information, Questions and Answers. CDC, National Center for Environmental Health [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/about.htm.
(2002 March). Managing Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among Young Children: Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. CDC [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/CaseManagement/caseManage_main.htm.
(2003 September 12). Surveillance for Elevated Blood Lead Levels Among Children — United States, 1997—2001 CDC MMWR [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/ss5210a1.htm.
(2004 July 9). Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance — United States, 2002. CDC MMWR [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5326a2.htm.
SN Tsekrekos, I Buka. Paediatr Child Health Vol 10, No 4. April 2005.
Dr. Irena Buka MB, ChB, FRCPC. Pediatric Environmental Health Clinic. Edmonton, Alta. Canada.
Harold E. Hoffman, MD, FRCPC, FACOEM. Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Kathy Leinenkugel, CLS. Lead Program Coordinator, Douglas County Health Department. Omaha, NE.
Thomas P. Moyer, Ph.D. Professor of Laboratory Medicine, Mayo College of Medicine. Vice Chair for Diagnostic Development, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology. Co-Director for Medical Affairs, Mayo Collaborative Services, Inc. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Clarke, W. and Dufour, D. R., Editors (© 2006). Contemporary Practice in Clinical Chemistry: AACC Press, Washington, DC. Pp 474.
Wu, A. (© 2006). Tietz Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests, 4th Edition: Saunders Elsevier, St. Louis, MO. Pp 658-659.
(Updated 2008 May 30). Lead. U.S. Dept of Labor OSHA [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/lead/index.html. Accessed June 2009.
(Updated 2009 February 01). Lead. ATSDR [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/toxsubstance.asp?toxid=22. Accessed June 2009.
(Updated 2007 October 05) ToxFAQs™ for Lead. ATSDR [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts13.html. Accessed June 2009.
(2009 May 19). Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/index.html. Accessed June 2009.
Alexander, D. (Updated 2007 May 25). Lead levels – blood [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003360.htm. Accessed June 2009.
(2007 November 2). Interpreting and Managing Blood Lead Levels <10 µg/dL in Children and Reducing Childhood Exposures to Lead. CDC MMWR 56(RR08);1-14;16 [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5608a1.htm. Accessed June 2009.
(Revised 2007 August 20). Case Studies in Environmental Medicine (CSEM), Lead Toxicity, What Tests Can Assist with Diagnosis of Lead Toxicity? ATSDR [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/lead/pbtests_diagnosis2.html. Accessed June 2009.
(Updated 2008 September) Lead Poisoning. ARUP Consult [On-line information]. Available online at http://www.arupconsult.com/Topics/ToxinsTraceMetals/LeadPoisoning.html. Accessed June 2009.
APHA. CDC Accepts Advisory Committee Recommendation to Replace “Level of Concern” for Lead Poisoning with New Reference Value. Washington, D.C. May 16, 2012. Available online at http://www.apha.org/about/news/pressreleases/2012/cdc+advisory+new+reference+value.htm. Accessed May 2012.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Response to Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Recommendations in “Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call of Primary Prevention.” PDF available for download at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ACCLPP/CDC_Response_Lead_Exposure_Recs.pdf. Accessed May 2012.
KidsHealth.org. Blood Test: Lead. Available online at http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/test_lead.html#. Accessed February 2012.
(January 4, 2012) Report of the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call for Primary Prevention. PDF available for download at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ACCLPP/Final_Document_011212.pdf. Accessed February 2012.
HealthyChildren.org. Lead Poisoning. Available online through http://www.healthychildren.org. Accessed February 2012.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Lead Exposure in Children: Prevention, Detection, and Management. Pediatrics Vol. 116 No. 4 October 1, 2005, Pp 1036 -1046. Available online at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;116/4/1036#SEC7. Accessed February 2012.
Donald L. Simmons, Ph.D. Laboratory Manager. State Hygienic Laboratory – Ankeny Ankeny, IA.
OSHA Blood Lead Regulations. Available online at http://www.ehow.com/about_5538910_osha-blood-lead-regulations.html. Accessed April 2012.
Wengrovitz, Anne M. and Brown, Mary Jean. Recommendations for Blood Lead Screening of Medicaid-Eligible Children Aged 1–5 Years: an Updated Approach to Targeting a Group at High Risk. MMWR. August 7, 2009. 58(RR09);1-11. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5809a1.htm. Accessed June 2012.
2016 review by Irene Shu, PhD, DABCC, Assistant Laboratory Director, USDTL.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call of Primary Prevention. PDF available for download at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/final_document_030712.pdf. Accessed 10/6/2015.
(Updated 6/19/2014) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Do Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Children? Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/acclpp/blood_lead_levels.htm. Accessed 10/6/2015.
(April 2015) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Educational Interventions for Children Affected by Lead. Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/publications/educational_interventions_children_affected_by_lead.pdf. Accessed 10/6/2015.
(Updated 12/22/2015) The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES). Available online at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ables/description.html. Accessed March 2016.
Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR), Medical Surveillance Guidelines – 1926.62 App C. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) [Current on-line Regulation Standard for Lead Exposure]. Available online https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10644. Accessed March 2016.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Detection of Lead Poisoning. Available online at https://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/lead-exposure/Pages/Detection-of-Lead-Poisoning.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token. Accessed October 2016.
Ask a Laboratory Scientist
