Lead poisoning laboratory findings
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aksiniya Stevasarova, M.D.
Overview
Overview
Elevated venous blood lead levels and basophilic stippling of red blood cells on peripheral smear are the the most important and diagnostic laboratory findings in lead poisoning.
Laboratory Findings
Laboratory Findings
- Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of lead poisoning include:
- Basophilic stippling of red blood cells [1]
- Iron deficiency anemia (microcytosis and hypochromia) [2]
- Elevated venous blood lead levels
- K-fluorescent X-ray metering can measure bone-lead.
Shown below is an image depicting basophilic stippling in a blood smear of a patient with lead poisoning.
References
References
- â Chan NCN, Chan KP (2017). “Coarse basophilic stippling in lead poisoning”. Blood. 129 (24): 3270. doi:10.1182/blood-2017-03-773499. PMIDÂ 28620106.
- â HoffmanovĂĄ I, KaÄĂrkovĂĄ P, KuÄerovĂĄ I, Ć evÄĂk R, SĂĄnchez D (2016). “[Lead poisoning. A surprising cause of constipation, abdominal pain and anemia]”. Vnitr Lek. 62 (2): 157â63. PMIDÂ 27172444.
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