Serum lead

Alternative names:

lead - serum

Normal values:

Adults:

• less than 20 mg/dl of lead in the blood

Children:

• less than 25 mg/dl of lead in the blood

Note: mg/dl = milligram per deciliter

What abnormal results mean:

Adults:

• greater than 30 mg/dl of lead in the blood

Children:

• greater than 25 mg/dl of lead in the blood
• free erythrocyte protoporphyrin level of greater than 35 mg/dl

If you have elevated lead levels, it is vital that you are separated immediately from the source of the lead. If serum lead levels are above 80 mg/dl, then signs of toxicity are usually present and treatment with calcium disodium edetate may be necessary to facilitate the excretion of lead in the urine.

Note: mg/dl = milligram per deciliter