Lead Poisoning - Exams And Tests

Lead poisoning, lead poisoning infants, lead poisoning adults

The symptoms of lead poisoning are so general that it is difficult o to diagnose as such. A blood lead test can determine the amount of lead in the blood. The doctor normally takes two tests to confirm whether there is lead poisoning or not. However, this test cannot indicate the level of lead in the body. IF blood lead levels are above 10 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl) in two or more tests, the matter is to be reported to the local health department. It is better to conduct a home inspection to locate the source of the lead contamination.
The following tests are also useful: Complete Blood Count (CBC) test, which can determine whether you have anemia, which may be as a result of lead poisoning, Abdominal X-ray test, which can show deposits of lead in the bowel, Extremity X-ray test, which can show lead deposits in bones due to continuous, long exposure to the metal. BUN or Creatinine test, which check malfunctioning of kidneys, which may be due to lead poisoning. Urine test, which finds out the renal damage as a result of lead poisoning.

Early Detection:

Screening programs in children and adults will help to check if they are affected. These are set up by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state and local agencies are informed about the areas which are most likely to have high lead levels.

Consult your doctor if you suspect that your d child is at risk. During a routine health examination, a questionnaire will be f given to you .Your answers will be evaluated by the doctor He will then determine whether blood lead levels need be measured.

All children irrespective of their age should be subjected to the test as a precaution.

Screening tests on babies of 2 years and less have shown lead in the environment in most places. Routine screening can be stopped if the children are not tested positive any more. It has to be restarted if the environment changes.