Test ID PBNA Lead, Nails
Necessary 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.
Secondary ID
89857Useful For
Detecting lead exposure using nail specimens
Special Instructions
Method Name
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Reporting Name
Lead, NailsSpecimen Type
NailSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.05 g
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Nail | Ambient (preferred) | |
Frozen | ||
Refrigerated |
Clinical Information
Nail analysis of lead can be used to corroborate blood analysis.
Reference Values
<4.0 mcg/g of nails
Reference values apply to all ages.
Cautions
Blood lead analysis has the strongest correlation with toxicity.
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday
Report Available
2 to 8 daysPerforming Laboratory

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