Lead Testing
Lead exposure remains a major health concern in the U.S., driving the need for accurate and convenient testing solutions. Capitainer cards can be used for lead testing, and this analyte can also be analysed at our laboratory, miQro. Reliable lead analysis helps laboratories support early intervention and deliver high-quality, standardized results for consistent patient care.
Why test blood lead levels?
The CDC currently uses a blood lead reference value (BLRV) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL) to identify children with blood lead levels higher than most, prompting follow-up actions such as education, environmental assessment, and repeat testing.
For adults, especially workers exposed to lead, the Adult Blood Lead Epidemiology and Surveillance (ABLES) program uses 5 µg/dL as the threshold for elevated Blood Lead Levels (BLLs). Pregnant individuals should avoid BLLs above 3.5–5 µg/dL due to risks to fetal development.
miQro Lab Solutions offers blood lead testing based on microsampling solutions from Capitainer® from dried capillary blood.
Lead testing at miQro Lab Solutions
Test: B-Lead
Sampling: Capillary blood collected on Capitainer®B
Transport: Ambient temperature
Indication for test: Identifying elevated blood lead levels, quantitively above CDC reference values
Response time: Within 5 days from arrival at miQro. Analysis is performed at least twice per week.
Reporting interval: 0.5 µg/dL – 100 µg/dL Lower values will be reported as < 0.5 µg/dL
Accreditation: miQro is a CLIA-registered laboratory
For broader screening needs, our Element Panel includes all the features of the Blood Lead Microsample test, plus quantitative screening for four additional toxic metals:
- Cadmium
- Arsenic
- Mercury
- Thallium
Application Note
This document presents a comprehensive overview of both published and unpublished evidence, along with protocols for Lead Testing using Capitainer sampling cards. It outlines how the testing process can be implemented across various standard clinical chemistry platforms and highlights key considerations and precautions that must be taken into account.
Product brochure
Want more information? Download the Lead Testing product brochure.
