Lead, Blood
The amount of lead in the blood, reflecting recent exposure to this toxic metal.
| Typical reference range | below 3.5 ug/dL |
| Commonly cited optimal range | below 1 ug/dL |
Ranges vary by laboratory, method, age and sex: always use the range printed on your own report. Why labs differ.
What it measures
Lead has no biological role and is toxic. It enters the body through old paint and dust, contaminated water from lead pipes, certain occupations and hobbies, imported spices, cosmetics and traditional remedies. Blood lead reflects exposure over the previous 1-2 months; most body lead is stored in bone.
Why it matters
No safe level of lead exposure has been identified. Even low levels are associated with high blood pressure, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease and cognitive effects in adults, and impaired development in children.
What a high result can mean
Elevated levels indicate exposure from occupational sources (construction, battery manufacturing, firing ranges, renovation), old housing, contaminated water, certain imported products, retained bullet fragments, or release from bone during pregnancy, menopause or osteoporosis.
What a low result can mean
Low or undetectable values are the goal.
What affects the result
The CDC blood lead reference value of 3.5 ug/dL applies to children; adult occupational guidance considers levels at or above 5 ug/dL elevated. Typical adult US levels are below 1 ug/dL. Fingerstick samples can be contaminated and high results are confirmed by venous draw.
Units and conversion
Usually reported in ug/dL.
- From umol/L: multiply by 20.72 to get ug/dL
- From ug/L: multiply by 0.1 to get ug/dL
Also called on lab reports
Lead, Blood Lead, Pb, Lead (Venous), Lead, Blood (Venous)
Related tests: Toxins & Other
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.