Brief Description

The Missouri State Public Health Laboratory (MSPHL) analyzes soil, dust wipes and paint samples for the presence of lead that are collected from the environment of children with elevated blood lead levels. Environmental lead samples are also accepted for special studies with prior approval from the Chemistry Unit

Laboratory Unit

Chemistry

Methodology

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Specimen Collection

Paint, dust wipes or soil - Samples must be submitted by a Licensed Lead Risk Assessor.

Paint samples should contain the equivalent of a 1- inch square piece of paint and be placed in the provided bag.

Soil samples should have at least 400 grams and be placed in the provided bag.

Dust wipe samples should be collected in the tubes provided by the State Public Health Laboratory.

All environmental lead samples should be submitted in collection devices provided free of charge by the State Public Health Laboratory.

Storage/Transport

No special requirements.

Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

Dust wipe
Soil
Paint

Test Request Form(s)

Possible Results

Reporting limits:
Soil = 20 ug/g of dry soil
Dust wipes = 5.0 ug/wipe
Paint = 0.005% by weight
Various numerical results depending on the concentration of lead.

Unacceptable Conditions

Quantity not sufficient

Samples not submitted in devices provided by the MSPHL.

Interfering Substances

N/A

Result Reported

7 working days after receipt of sample

Fees

Environmental lead testing is available for free for children with an Elevated Blood Lead Level.

CPT Codes

N/A

LOINC/SNOMED Codes

N/A

Additional Information

To know more about becoming a Licensed Lead Risk Assessor.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Childhood Blood Lead Program contact us or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology at 573-751-6102.

Visit the Local Public Health Agency website.