Lead Test

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

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of sample to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture—a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

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. Children are at particular risk of being harmed by lead exposure because their bodies are developing rapidly and able to absorb lead more easily than older children and adults.

This test may be appropriate for those who:

Are 12 months of age or older and have not received lead screening before^1,2
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.

Children are at higher risk of being harmed from lead exposure because their bodies are developing rapidly and able to absorb lead more easily than older children and adults. Further, young children have increased exposure to lead due to crawling on surfaces and repeatedly putting their hands and other items in their mouths. Any lead exposure can cause harm in children.

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

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

Prolonged exposure to lead can cause developmental, behavioral, and learning deficiencies in children. 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

The Lead Test is for all children 12 months of age or older and adults who may have been exposed to lead. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.

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

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

Over 2000+ locations focus on your safety, confidentiality and convenience.

Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

Browse tests

Enter your zip code to find a Quest Diagnostics location closest to you.

Find a location

We will email you when your confidential results are available.

View results

Take control of your health

Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments

Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

Get your results online

View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.

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.

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.

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