What is the reference range for Lead?

The standard reference range for Lead is Blood lead <5 µg/dL (50 µg/L) per CDC; no safe threshold established.. Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform — interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Which tests measure Lead?

Lead is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Blood Spot ICPMS Toxic and Essential Elements.

Biomarker Reference · Pb

What does the Lead test measure?

Q: What is Lead?

Lead is a non-essential heavy metal with no physiological role. It accumulates in bone, red cells, and soft tissues over years of exposure and interferes with haem biosynthesis, mitochondrial function, and neurotransmission. The half-life in blood is approximately one month, in bone decades.

Q: Why is Lead measured?

Blood lead reflects recent exposure and a fraction of total body burden. Chronic low-level exposure affects cognition and cardiovascular health in adults; even low concentrations harm neurodevelopment in children. Blood lead guides chelation decisions in acute poisoning and monitors occupational or environmental exposure.

Q: Which tests measure Lead?

Lead is measured in 1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com, including Blood Spot ICPMS Toxic and Essential Elements.

Lead (Pb) is a clinical biomarker used in heavy-metals-toxicology assessment. Lead is a non-essential heavy metal with no physiological role. It is measured in 1 laboratory test on BiomarkersLabs.com.

Reference Range: Blood lead <5 µg/dL (50 µg/L) per CDC; no safe threshold established.
Units: µg/L
Measured In: 1 test
Category: Heavy Metals

Functional medicine optimalFunctional practitioners target <20 µg/L; population reference is not an 'optimal' threshold.

What is Lead?

Lead is a non-essential heavy metal with no physiological role. It accumulates in bone, red cells, and soft tissues over years of exposure and interferes with haem biosynthesis, mitochondrial function, and neurotransmission. The half-life in blood is approximately one month, in bone decades.

Why is Lead measured?

Blood lead reflects recent exposure and a fraction of total body burden. Chronic low-level exposure affects cognition and cardiovascular health in adults; even low concentrations harm neurodevelopment in children. Blood lead guides chelation decisions in acute poisoning and monitors occupational or environmental exposure.

Reference ranges

Standard reference: Blood lead <5 µg/dL (50 µg/L) per CDC; no safe threshold established.
Functional medicine optimal: Functional practitioners target <20 µg/L; population reference is not an 'optimal' threshold.
Units: µg/L

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.

Tests that measure Lead

1 test on BiomarkersLabs.com include this biomarker.

BML-HMT-010Comprehensive

Blood Spot ICPMS Toxic and Essential Elements

Lead reference range in this test: Blood lead <5 µg/dL (50 µg/L) per CDC; no safe threshold established.

Related clinical conditions

Related Biomarkers

Frequently measured alongside

MercuryHg1 test CadmiumCd1 test ArsenicAs1 test AluminiumAl2 tests ZincZn3 tests CopperCu2 tests SeleniumSe1 test MagnesiumMg2 tests

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