Metals, Blood (Lead, Cadmium and Mercury, Whole Blood) (BM)  

 
NPHL has moved to an electronic ordering system, NUlirt, and it is now the preferred method to order all tests. Once ordered, print a "batch list" (see NUlirt Guide).

Forms Required - Nulirt batch list or NPHL Test Request Form (completed in entirety) must accompany the specimen to include the following information: symptoms and date of onset, pregnancy status, travel and vaccine history. Testing will not be performed without all required information.

Please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459 for further clarification.

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Test: Metals, Blood (Lead, Cadmium and Mercury, Whole Blood) (BM)  
Synonym:  
Method: ICP-MS  
Availability: Emergency Response Only  
Specimen: Whole Blood  
Collection Device: Royal Blue (K2EDTA or NA2EDTA)  
Volume: Minimum: 0.25 mL  
Storage/Transport:

Transported at 4 ºC

 
Unacceptable:
  • Low volume (<0.25 mL)
  • Inappropriate storage temperature,
  • Damaged collection containers
  • Suspected contamination
 
Specimen Stability: Up to 1 year at -20 ºC Up to 1 month at 4 ºC  
Reference Interval: The following reference ranges for this method are taken from the Fourth National Report on Exposures to  Environmental Chemicals. The 95th percental limits are 1.40 µg/mL for Cd, 5.13 µg/mL for Hg, and 3.34 µg/ml for Pb.
Analyte Survey Years Geometric Mean 50th 75th 90th 95th N
Cd (µg/L)   07-08 0.315 0.27 0.5 1 1.52 8266
  09-10 0.302 0.26 0.48 0.96 1.4 8793
Hg (µg/L)   07-08 0.769 0.74 1.48 2.95 4.64 8266
  09-10 0.863 0.79 1.68 3.43 5.13 8793
Pb (µg/dL)   07-08 1.27 1.22 1.9 2.8 3.7 8266
  09-10 1.12 1.07 1.7 2.58 3.34 8793
 
Reportable Disease:  
Comments: FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE/CHEMICAL TERRORISM ONLY. CALL 24/7PAGER (402) 888-5588 PRIOR TO SAMPLE SUBMISSION.  
Revised: 5/22/2023 
If you have questions about proper specimen collection, please call NPHL Client Services at (402) 559-2440 or toll free at (800) 334-0459.

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