Lead, Blood (Venous)
CPT Code: 83655
Order Code: 599
ABN Requirement: No
Synonyms: Pb
Specimen: Whole Blood
Volume: 3.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Container:
Preferred:
-Royal Blue Top (EDTA) tube
Alternative:
-Tan Top (Sodium Heparin, Lead-Free) tube
Collection:
- Draw and gently invert 8 to 10 times.
- Label tube with patient information.
- Store transport tube refrigerated at 2-8°C until ready to ship.
Collection Instructions:
Collection material such as alcohol swabs should be lead-free. Use powderless gloves. Clean skin for venipuncture with lead-free alcohol swab prior to puncture. Avoid worksite collection.
Note: Tests performed on a specimen submitted in a non-trace element tube may not accurately reflect the patient’s level. If a non-trace element tube is received, it will be accepted for testing. However, elevated results shall be reported with a message that a re-submission with a trace element tube is recommended.
Transport: Store whole blood at 2-8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.
Requisition Form and Ordering Instructions: Completion of patient demographic information is required for state reporting. These include patient name, address, phone number, date of birth, and gender.
Stability:
Ambient (15-25°C): 5 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C): 60 days
Causes for Rejection: Improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits; clotted specimen
Methodology: Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP/MS) or Atomic Spectroscopy (AS)
Turn Around Time: 2 to 3 days
Reference Range:
Blood lead levels in the range of 5-9 mcg/dL have been associated with adverse health effects in children aged 6 years and younger. Patient management varies by age and CDC Blood Level Range. Refer to the CDC website regarding Lead Publications/Case Management for recommended interventions.
Priority Values:
Clinical Information: Blood lead level analysis is performed to evaluate the body burden of lead.
The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.