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Test Code PBHA Lead, Hair

Reporting Name

Lead, Hair

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

Detecting lead exposure using hair specimens

Method Name

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)


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 Type

Hair

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.05 g

Specimen Stability Information

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

Reject Due To

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

Reference Values

<4.0 mcg/g of hair

Reference values apply to all ages.

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.

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Report Available

2 to 8 days

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