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HelpTest ID PBNA Lead, Nails
Reporting Name
Lead, NailsUseful For
Detecting lead exposure using nail specimens
Specimen Type
NailNecessary Information
Indicate source of nails (fingernails or toenails), if known
Specimen Required
Supplies: Hair and Nails Collection Kit (T565)
Specimen Volume: 0.2 g
Collection Instructions:
1. Prepare and transport specimen per the instructions in the kit or see Collecting Hair and Nails for Metals Testing.
2. Clippings should be taken from all 10 fingernails or toenails.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.05 g
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail | Ambient (preferred) | ||
| Frozen | |||
| Refrigerated | |||
Reference Values
<4.0 mcg/g of nails
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83655
Clinical Information
Nail analysis of lead can be used to corroborate blood analysis.
Interpretation
Normally, the nail lead content is below 4.0 mcg/g. While nail lead content above 10.0 mcg/g may indicate significant lead exposure, nails are also subject to potential external contamination with environmental lead. Ultimately, the nail lead content needs to be interpreted in addition to the overall clinical scenario including symptoms, physical findings, and other diagnostic results when determining further actions.
Cautions
Blood lead analysis has the strongest correlation with toxicity.
Clinical Reference
1. Strumylaite L, Ryselis S, Kregzdyte R. Content of lead in human hair from people exposed to lead. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2004;207(4):345-351
2. Barbosa F, Tanus-Santos J, Gerlach R, Parsons P. A critical review of biomarkers used for monitoring human exposure to lead: advantages, limitations, and future needs. Environ Health Perspect.2005;113(12):1669-1674
3. Sanna E, Liguori A, Palmes L, Soro MR, Floris Ge Blood and hair lead levels in boys and girls living in two Sardinian towns at different risks of lead pollution. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2003;55(3):293-299
4. Strathmann FG, Blum LM: Toxic elements. In: Nader R, Horwath AR, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:chap 44
Method Description
The metal of interest is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. (Unpublished Mayo method)
Report Available
2 to 8 daysReject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitabilityNY State Approved
NoMethod Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)