Lead Levels - Blood
Alternate Names : Blood Lead Levels
DefinitionThis is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood.
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Why is the Test Performed?
While lead serves no function in our bodies, it is usually present to some degree since it is so common in our environment. Low levels in adults are not thought to be harmful, but in infants and children, low levels of lead can lead to toxicity (see lead poisoning) such as deficits in intellectual/cognitive development.
This test is performed to screen people at risk for lead poisoning (such as industrial workers or children in urban areas), and to monitor the improvement of those who already have diagnosed increased serum lead levels, or lead toxicity.
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