Lead Test

Lead Test

Screen for elevated lead levels in the bloodstream. Consider this test if you are concerned if you have been exposed to lead in your home, workplace, or environment. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

Find Patient Service Centers

$49.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

This test measures the levels of lead in the bloodstream to monitor potential exposure to lead.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

The Lead Test measures the level of lead in the bloodstream through a venipuncture draw (a needle is used to draw blood from a vein). Lead is a toxic metal found naturally in air, water, soil and in many consumer products. People may have a small amount of lead in the blood from these exposures. However, high levels of lead may indicate significant exposure in your home, workplace, or environment. Lead toxicity can damage the brain, organs, and nervous system.

This test may be appropriate for those who:

Have never checked their lead levels or haven't been checked in several years
May have been exposed to lead or live with a family member who was exposed to lead

For those who may be exhibiting any signs and symptoms of lead toxicity, it is important to contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Lead is a naturally occurring metal which can be toxic to humans and can cause damage to the brain, organs, and nervous system. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment and may also be combined with other materials to make a wide variety of products such as lead-based paint and leaded gasoline, both of which are now banned in the United States. Federal and state regulatory standards have helped to reduce the amount of lead in air, drinking water, soil, consumer products, food, and occupational settings. However, lead may still be present in the paint of older homes and workplaces or contaminated dust, as well as many imported products. Any amount of lead is unsafe, and both long-term and high levels of exposure can cause severe health problems.

This test measures the levels of lead in the bloodstream to monitor exposure to lead.

Lead poisoning can be life-threatening. If you are experiencing symptoms of lead poisoning, contact your healthcare provider or poison control center immediately.

Lead exposure in adults may increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart and kidney disease, and possibly cancer.

Signs and symptoms of lead exposure may include the following:

Weakness
Low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia), which can reduce oxygen flow to the body’s tissues and organs
Nausea
Headaches
Fatigue
Weight gain
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Depression
Memory loss
Irritability
Pain or numbness in the hands or feet

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. Fasting is not required for this test.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test & schedule an appointment

No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Schedule an appointment

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $55 fee.

Buy now

Schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
Is in-home sample collection available near me?

A 2023 Wall Street Journal investigation revealed there is a sprawling network of cables covered in toxic lead that stretches across the U.S. — on overhead telephone poles, in the soil, and under the water — posing a hidden health hazard.*

FAQs

What is lead?

Lead is a highly poisonous metal that is naturally found in air, water, and soil, but can be toxic to humans and animals. When combined with other materials, it can be used to make many household and building supplies, including paint, batteries, plumbing, insulation, and gasoline. The United States has banned most of these uses; however, lead can be found in older homes and buildings, and many imported products, and contaminated water, air, or soil.

What are the potential sources of lead in my home?

In 1978, the US federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paints, with some states banning it prior to 1978. Homes and buildings built prior to 1978 are more likely to have lead-based paint. Lead exposure results from breathing in, eating, or touching lead-based paint. If your home or work environment was constructed prior to 1978, it’s critical to ensure that there are no chips, cracks, peeling, or other damage that may potentially expose original lead-based paint.

An increased risk of lead exposure may also result from using imported household goods, toys, food, and medicines, or engaging in hobbies that use lead products, such as glass blowing.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

¹Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine, Bright Futures Periodicity Schedule Workgroup. 2021 Recommendations for preventive pediatric health care. Pediatrics. 2021;147(3):e2020049776. doi:10.1542/peds.2020-049776

²CDC. Low level lead exposure harms children: a renewed call for primary prevention. Report of the Advisory Committee on Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. January 4, 2012.

^*AMERICA IS WRAPPED IN MILES OF TOXIC LEAD CABLES. https://www.wsj.com/articles/lead-cables-telecoms-att-toxic-5b34408b

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.