Blood Lead Analysis

The State Public Health Laboratory conducts analysis of Lead in blood collected from children, six months to six years of age or with prior approval from blood lead program.

Blood Lead samples for occupational purposes will not be analyzed unless it is a part of an approved special study.

Chemistry

Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

All local public health agencies and private health care providers are eligible to submit samples.  All private health care providers must register with the State Public Health Laboratory before samples can be submitted.  Providers can register by contacting us.

The Laboratory participates in the national CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) approved proficiency testing program. Thus, all submitters must meet and follow certain criteria and procedures as established by the State Public Health Laboratory. All venous blood samples must be submitted in collection devices that are provided free of charge by the State Public Health Laboratory. Mailing supplies for the samples are also provided at no charge. These measures provide several quality assurances, including guarantees that the collection tubes do not contain detectable lead. Capillary samples must be collected in devices containing anticoagulant. Submitters may use the capillary device provided free of charge by the State Public Health Laboratory.

Capillary Collection Instructions

Venous – Collect at least 0.5 ml of blood in a tan top lead free collection tube provided by the SPHL

Refrigerate overnight if not able to send day of collection. Transport at ambient temperature.

Venous or capillary tubes

Blood Lead Test Request Form

Less than (<) 2 mcg / dl

2 to 100 mcg / dl

Quantity Not Sufficient

Unacceptable Collection Device

Broken In Transit

Patient Name Does Not Match Tube

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Within 24 hrs after receipt of specimen for confirmation and follow-up samples. Results greater than, equal to (=) 10.0 mcg/dL will be called to the submitting site.

$16.50 charge (19 CSR 20-8.030)

Each provider will be billed on a monthly basis.
No fee will be charged for Medicaid clients and Local Public Health Agencies. Medicaid clients are identified by using the Medicaid client DCN number completed on the blood lead laboratory request form. After verification of eligible status at the time the sample was collected, adjustments will be made to the monthly billing. The SPHL will bill the Medicaid State Agency or the MC+ plan for all Medicaid client tests.

Providers in managed care areas are encouraged to submit specimens to the plans' contracted laboratories.

The fee may only be waived during an epidemiological investigation of vital importance to public health.

For questions about the blood Lead testing fee, contact us.

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Local public health agencies may submit samples for patients that do not qualify as six months to six years of age if certain other circumstances are met (i.e. siblings with elevated blood lead levels, special studies, etc.). Prior approval and notification from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology (573-751-6102 or (toll-free) 866-628-9891) must be obtained.

For more information about blood lead:
DHSS Lead Poisoning