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Test ID: PBHA Lead, Hair

Reporting Name

Lead, Hair

Useful For

Detecting lead exposure using hair specimens

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.

Report Available

2 to 8 days

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Clinical Reference

1. Strumylaite L, Ryselis S, Kregzdyte R. Content of lead in human hair from people exposed to lead. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2004;207:345-351

2. Barbosa F, Tanus-Santos J, Gerlach R, Parsons P. A Critical review of biomarkers used for monitoring human exposure to lead: advantages, limitations, and future needs. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113:1669-1674

3. Sanna E, Liguori A, Palmes L, et al. Blood and hair lead levels in boys and girls living in two Sardinian towns at different risks of lead pollution. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2003;55:293-299

4. DiPietro ES, Phillips DL, Paschal DC, Neese JW. Determination of trace elements in human hair. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1989;22:83-100

5. Strathmann FG, Blum LM. Toxic elements. In: Nader R, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 44

Method Name

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

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.

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
Mayo Clinic Laboratories | Neurology Catalog Additional Information:

mml-Behavioral, mml-Neuromuscular, mml-Pediatric