Lead is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Toxic effects can be classified into six main categories: gastrointestinal, central nervous system, neuromuscular, hematologic, renal, and constitutional. Lead poisoning in the USA has significantly decreased in recent years due to regulations banning lead in paint and gasoline. However, it still remains a concern, particularly in certain communities. A blood lead test measures the amount of lead present in a person’s blood as early detection of lead exposure is crucial for preventing serious health issues.
Quick guide
Quest’s Lead Test
- Tests for: Elevated lead levels in your blood
- How it works: Buy a lab test from Personalabs.com and schedule an appointment at your nearest local lab
- Specimen required: Blood from the veins
- Results in: 2 – 10 business days
- Cost: $58 (at the time of writing)
LabCorp Lead Test
- Tests for: Monitors exposure to lead in your blood
- How it works: Buy a lab test from Personalabs.com and schedule an appointment at your nearest local lab
- Specimen required: Blood from the veins
- Results in: 2 – 10 business days
- Cost: $69 (at the time of writing)
Doctor’s Data Heavy Metals Toxicity Test (At-home test kit)
- Tests for: 31 types of toxins from your hair including lead
- How it works: Buy a kit from Amazon.com, collect a small section of hair and send to Doctor’s Data’s laboratory for analysis
- Specimen required: 0.25 g of hair
- Results in: 7 – 10 business days
- Cost: $124.95 (at the time of writing)
Disclaimer: This information is based on research and is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. Please note that the writer has not personally used or tested these products.
What is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning is a serious health condition caused by exposure to lead. Lead is a toxic metal that may be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed directly through the skin and can accumulate in the body and cause harm to various organs, particularly the brain and nervous system.
What are the Health Risks of Lead Exposure?
Pregnant Women: Lead exposure during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. It can also harm the developing fetus’s brain, leading to learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
Developing Fetuses: Lead can cross the placenta and accumulate in the developing fetus, causing serious damage to the brain and nervous system.
Young Children: Infants and young children (9 months to 6 years) are highly vulnerable to lead exposure due to factors such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact, increased lead absorption in the gut, and proximity to contaminated surfaces. Lead exposure in young children can cause:
- Learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
- Lower IQ
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Developmental delays
- Anemia
- Kidney damage
What Can Cause Lead Exposure?

- Old Paint: Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built before 1978. When this paint deteriorates, it can release lead dust into the air.
- Soil: Lead can accumulate in soil, especially near older homes or industrial sites. Children may ingest lead-contaminated soil by hand-to-mouth contact.
- Contaminated Water: In some areas, lead can leach into drinking water from old pipes.
- Occupational Exposure: Workers in certain industries, such as construction, battery manufacturing, and smelting, may be exposed to lead at work.
- Toys: Toys manufactured in other countries, particularly those with less stringent safety regulations, may pose a risk of lead exposure.
- Counterfeit Goods: Counterfeit toys often lack any safety testing and may contain high levels of lead.
What is the Importance of Blood Lead Testing?
Blood lead testing is the most reliable way to determine if you or your child has been exposed to lead. Early detection is crucial for preventing serious health problems.
Who Can/Should Get Tested?
- Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms suggestive of lead poisoning.
- Individuals and their families with occupational or hobby-related lead exposure.
- Children aged 12 to 24 months residing in high-prevalence areas or enrolled in Medicaid.
- Children, pregnant women, and lactating women identified as having increased risk for lead exposure.
- Newly arrived refugees, immigrants (including children, infants, adolescents, pregnant and lactating women), and internationally adopted children.
How Does the Test Work?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. The blood is then analyzed for the presence of lead.
Where Can I Get a Blood Lead Test?
- Doctor’s office
- Local health department
- Community health center
Recommended Tests
Quest’s Lead Test

- Tests for: Elevated lead levels in your blood
- How it works: Buy a lab test from Personalabs.com and schedule an appointment at your nearest local lab
- Specimen required: Blood from the veins
- Results in: 2 – 10 business days
- Cost: $58 (at the time of writing)
About the test
This test evaluates the level of lead in your blood. It is able to detect lead exposure and/or toxicity and also be used to monitor lead detoxification.
Pros
✔ No doctor visit required
✔ Suitable for children and adults
✔ Excellent service
Cons
❌ Tests cannot be conducted at lab locations in Arizona, New Jersey, New York, or Rhode Island.
LabCorp Lead Test

- Tests for: Monitors exposure to lead in your blood
- How it works: Buy a lab test from Personalabs.com and schedule an appointment at your nearest local lab
- Specimen required: Blood from the veins
- Results in: 2 – 10 business days
- Cost: $69 (at the time of writing)
About the test
This test evaluates the level of lead in your blood. It is able to detect lead exposure and/or toxicity and also be used to monitor lead detoxification.
Pros
✔ No doctor visit required
✔ Excellent service
Cons
❌ For adults only
Doctor’s Data Heavy Metals Toxicity Test (At-home test kit)

- Tests for: 31 types of toxins from your hair including lead
- How it works: Buy a kit from Amazon.com, collect a small section of hair and send to Doctor’s Data’s laboratory for analysis
- Specimen required: 0.25 g of hair
- Results in: 7 – 10 business days
- Cost: $124.95 (at the time of writing)
About the test
Although not a blood lead test, Hair Element Analysis reveals recent and ongoing exposure to potentially harmful metals like methylmercury, lead and arsenic, while also providing insights into your long-term nutritional status. This non-invasive test requires a small hair sample (0.25 grams). Doctor’s Data offers comprehensive Hair Element profiles, including essential and toxic elements, as well as a specialized profile focusing on toxic metal exposure.
General overview of the process:
- Order the Kit: Click on the BUY button below and purchase the kit from Amazon.
- Hair Sample Collection: A small section of hair (usually about 0.25 grams) is collected from the scalp.
- Laboratory Analysis: The hair sample is sent to Doctor’s Data’s laboratory for analysis. They use advanced techniques like Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect and quantify the levels of different metals present in the hair.
- Results Interpretation: The laboratory generates a report that shows the levels of various metals detected in the hair sample. These results are then interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or naturopath.
Pros
✔ Tests for 31 different types of toxins
✔ Easy-to-use in the comfort of your home at your convenience
✔ Results were easy to read
✔ CLIA-certified lab
Cons
❌ 0.25 g is a lot of hair
❌ Need to send in an authorization to release records
Are there Any Specific Preparations for the Test?
No special preparation is usually required for a blood lead test.
What Does the Result Mean?
The results of the blood lead test will show the level of lead in your blood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has established a blood lead reference level of 5 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) for children. Any level above this is considered elevated.
Table 1. CDC-Recommended Follow-up Testing for Various Venous Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in Children
Blood lead1,a | Follow-up blood testing1,a |
<3.5 μg/dL | BLL testing at ages 12 and 24 months in children enrolled in Medicaid who have been previously screened or at ages 24-72 months in children who have not been screenedConsider screening and follow-up BLL testing in children who are at-risk but not enrolled in Medicaid |
3.5-9 μg/dL | BLL testing in 3 months and then 6-9 months as BLL decline (eg, after possible environmental remediation)Follow-up testing within a month of initial testing may be considered on all new patients; repeated testing may confirm decreasing BLLConsider laboratory testing for iron status |
10-19 μg/dL | BLL testing 1-3 months and then 3-6 months as BLL decline (eg, after possible environmental remediation )Follow-up testing within a month of initial testing may be considered on all new patients; repeated testing may confirm decreasing BLLConsider laboratory testing for iron status |
20-44 μg/dL | BLL testing in 2 weeks-1 month and then 1-3 months as BLL decline (eg, after possible environmental remediation )Consider laboratory testing for iron status |
≥45 μg/dL | BLL testing as soon as possible |
aChanges in BLL owing to changes in seasonal weather may be more apparent in areas with colder climates. Increased exposure in the summer months may require more frequent follow-ups.
Table 2. CDC-Recommended Follow-up Testing for Various Venous Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in Pregnant Women
Blood lead6,7 | Follow-up blood testing (maternal or umbilical cord BLL at delivery)2,3 |
<5 μg/dL | None |
5-14 μg/dL | BLL testing within 1 month |
15-24 μg/dL | BLL testing within 1 month and then every 2-3 months, or more frequently based on risk factors |
25-44 μg/dL | BLL testing within 1-4 weeks and then every month |
≥45 μg/dL | BLL testing within 24 hours and then at frequent intervals depending on clinical interventions |
Table 3. CDC-Recommended Follow-up Testing for Various Venous Blood Lead Levels (BLL) in Womena During Breastfeeding
Blood lead2,3,a | Follow-up blood testing2,3,a |
<5 μg/dL | None |
5-19 μg/dL | BLL testing every 3 months, more frequently if infant BLL are steady or rising |
20-39 μg/dL | BLL testing 2 weeks postpartum and then at 1-3 month intervals depending on infant BLL |
≥40 μg/dL | BLL testing within 24 hours and then at frequent intervals depending on clinical interventions (do not initiate breastfeeding until BLL decline to <40 μg/dL) |
aFor women who become pregnant while breastfeeding, follow schedule for pregnancy.
When Should I See a Doctor for Consultation?
- If your child’s blood lead level is elevated
- If you experience any symptoms of lead poisoning
- If you are concerned about your exposure to lead
How is Blood Lead Poisoning Treated?
If your child’s blood lead level is elevated, your doctor may recommend steps to reduce lead exposure, such as removing lead-based paint or improving home ventilation.
In some cases, chelation therapy may be recommended to remove lead from the body.
How Do I Reduce the Risk of Lead Exposure?
In Your Home
- Test for Lead: If you live in an older home (built before 1978), test for the presence of lead-based paint. Consider home test kits as a preliminary screening tool, especially for older homes. If a home test kit indicates the presence of lead, it’s essential to confirm the results with a professional lead inspector or laboratory testing. For accurate and reliable lead testing, especially in situations involving children or pregnant women, it’s always best to consult with a qualified professional.
- Renovate Safely: If you are renovating, hire a certified lead renovator to minimize dust and debris.
- Keep it Clean: Regularly wet-mop floors and wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to remove lead dust.
- Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage frequent handwashing, especially before eating and after playing outdoors.
- Wash Toys Regularly: Wash children’s toys regularly, especially those that are frequently placed in their mouths.
- Test Your Water: Consider testing your drinking water for lead, especially if you have older plumbing. Consider home test kits as a preliminary screening tool.
In Your Diet
- Focus on a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce lead absorption.
In Your Occupation
- Take Precautions: If your job involves lead exposure, follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment.
- Wash Work Clothes Separately: Keep work clothes separate from other laundry.
- Shower After Work: Shower after work to remove any lead dust from your skin and hair.
For Children
- Provide a Safe Play Environment: Avoid allowing children to play in areas with bare soil, especially near older homes or industrial sites.
- Choose Safe Toys: Select toys from reputable sources and avoid those with peeling paint or loose parts.
- Check for safety certifications: Look for certifications from organizations like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or similar agencies in other countries.
- Wash new toys before use: Washing toys can help remove any loose paint or dust.
- Be cautious with imported toys: Be extra vigilant when purchasing toys from unknown sources, especially those imported from countries with less stringent safety regulations.
Remember: These are general guidelines. If you have specific concerns about lead exposure, consult with a healthcare professional or a lead safety expert.
Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health.
References
- Recommended actions based on blood lead level. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Accessed Jan 23, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/hcp/clinical-guidance/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/advisory/acclpp/actions-blls.htm
- Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee opinion No. 533: lead screening during pregnancy and lactation. Obstet Gynecol. 2012;120 (2 Pt 1):416-420. doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e31826804e8
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for the identification and management of lead exposure in pregnant and lactating women. US Department of Health and Human Services; 2010. Accessed Jan 23, 2025. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/147837
- https://www.who.int/news/item/27-10-2021-who-guidance-to-reduce-illness-due-to-lead-exposure
- https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/php/data/blood-lead-surveillance.html
- Hon KL, Fung CK, Leung AK. Childhood lead poisoning: an overview. Hong Kong Med J. 2017 Dec;23(6):616-21. doi: 10.12809/hkmj176214. Epub 2017 Oct 13. PMID: 29026055.
- Walter K. What Is Lead Poisoning? JAMA. 2023 Mar 28;329(12):1040. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.1543. PMID: 36897599.