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Test Code PBNA Lead, Nails

Reporting Name

Lead, Nails

Useful For

Detecting lead exposure using nail specimens

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

Nail


Necessary Information


Indicate source of nails (fingernails or toenails), if known



Specimen Required


Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565)

Specimen Volume: 0.2 g

Collection Instructions:

1. Prepare and transport specimen per the instructions in the kit or see Collecting Hair and Nails for Metals Testing.

2. Clippings should be taken from all 10 fingernails or toenails.


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.05 g

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Nail Ambient (preferred)
  Frozen 
  Refrigerated 

Reference Values

<4.0 mcg/g of nails

Reference values apply to all ages.

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

83655

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PBNA Lead, Nails 8202-4

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
2506 Lead, Nails 8202-4
PBNSC Specimen Source 31208-2

Clinical Information

Nail analysis of lead can be used to corroborate blood analysis.

Interpretation

Normally, the nail lead content is below 4.0 mcg/g. While nail lead content above 10.0 mcg/g may indicate significant lead exposure, nails are also subject to potential external contamination with environmental lead. Ultimately, the nail lead content needs to be interpreted in addition to the overall clinical scenario including symptoms, physical findings, and other diagnostic results when determining further actions.

Cautions

Blood lead analysis has the strongest correlation with toxicity.

Clinical Reference

1. Strumylaite L, Ryselis S, Kregzdyte R. Content of lead in human hair from people exposed to lead. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2004;207(4):345-351

2. Barbosa F, Tanus-Santos J, Gerlach R, Parsons P. A critical review of biomarkers used for monitoring human exposure to lead: advantages, limitations, and future needs. Environ Health Perspect.2005;113(12):1669-1674

3. Sanna E, Liguori A, Palmes L, Soro MR, Floris Ge Blood and hair lead levels in boys and girls living in two Sardinian towns at different risks of lead pollution. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2003;55(3):293-299

4. Strathmann FG, Blum LM: Toxic elements. In: Nader R, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 44

Method Description

The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. (Unpublished Mayo method)

Report Available

2 to 8 days

Specimen Retention Time

14 days

Reject Due To

All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability

Method Name

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Secondary ID

89857