Lead

The lead test is a laboratory test used to detect and monitor lead levels in the blood. This test is crucial for identifying possible lead poisoning, especially in cases of occupational or recreational exposure. Blood samples for lead testing are taken at IntroLab, the leading laboratory in Vračar.

What is lead?

Lead is a heavy metal naturally found in our environment. Exposure to lead through air and food can cause damage to the brain, organs, and nervous system. This test measures the current level of lead in the blood.

Even low levels of lead in the blood can cause irreversible damage, although symptoms are often not clearly visible. In newborns, lead can have long-term effects on cognitive functions, behavior, and development.

Lead can be transferred from mother to unborn child, leading to miscarriage and premature birth. Although regulations limit the use of lead, it is still present in various products and industrial processes. Children under the age of 6 are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning as they often put their hands in their mouths, exposing themselves to the danger of ingesting lead dust.

Indications for lead testing

Lead testing, as part of the heavy metals in blood test, is performed in children and adults when symptoms suggesting possible intoxication appear. These symptoms are non-specific and include dizziness, nausea, behavioral changes, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, and tremor. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, neuropathy, encephalopathy, anemia, seizures, memory loss, and coma. In children, physical manifestations are often not present, but long-term damage may be possible. Furthermore, testing for lead exposure in children is indicated when symptoms such as anemia, sleep disorders, hearing or speech loss, and attention disorders are present.

Explaining lead levels in blood tests

Reduced values are not of clinical significance.

Although there is a correlation between blood lead levels and test results, it is important to note that the concentration of lead in the blood does not necessarily reflect the total level of lead in the body. Lead is transported from the lungs or digestive tract to the blood and organs, and then it is gradually eliminated from the blood and organs and deposited in tissues such as teeth and bones. The risk of harmful effects from a certain concentration of lead in the body depends on several factors. These include age, overall health condition, level of lead exposure, and the duration of exposure to elevated concentrations of this heavy metal.