investigations
Last reviewed 04/2022
A guide to the severity of the lead poisoning is given by blood lead levels. Lead particularly affects the enzymes involved in haem synthesis; thus a screening test for early lead poisoning is the measurement of haem precursors, for example the free erythrocyte protoporphyrin.
An abdominal radiograph may show radio-opaque lead fragments in the gastrointestinal tract. Also lead lines may be seen on examination of a radiograph of bony structures because lead interferes with the growing ends of bones.
Other investigations include:
- urinary coproporphyrin
- microcytic hypochromic anaemia
- the blood film shows basophilic stippling in the red cells