Content Source:
Office of Public Health Data, Surveillance, and Technology
Lead, Elevated Blood Levels
2010 Case Definition
Lead, Elevated Blood Levels
2010 Case Definition
2010 Case Definition
CSTE Position Statement(s)
- 09-OH-02
Subtype(s)
- Lead, elevated blood levels, children (<16 Years)
- Lead, elevated blood levels, adult (≥16 Years)
Subtype(s) Case Definition
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
Blood lead concentration, as determined by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified facility, ≥10 µg/dL (0.48 µmol/L) in a child (person <16 years of age)
Case Classification
Suspected
A single capillary blood specimen with elevated lead concentration
Probable
Two capillary blood specimens, drawn greater than 12 weeks apart, both with elevated lead concentration
Confirmed
One venous blood specimen with elevated lead concentration, or two capillary blood specimens, drawn within 12 weeks of each other, both with elevated lead concentration
Laboratory Criteria For Diagnosis
An adult blood lead level that should be maintained under surveillance by the National Public Health Surveillance System (NPHSS) is defined as an adult (≥16 years) with a venous (or comparable) blood lead concentration ≥10 µg/dL (0.48 µmol/L) of whole blood
Case Classification
Confirmed
A one venous (or comparable) blood specimen with elevated lead concentration.
Comments
Laboratories should report any blood lead level to public health authorities. Health care providers should report elevated blood lead levels.