The Adequacy of Capillary Lead Specimens,
Abstract
In response to the increased demand for reliable alternatives to venous lead testing, the Centers for Disease Control has called for increased research into using capillary methodologies. In the past, there have been problems with this procedure, primarily because of external lead contamination falsely elevating values. A three tiered approach was developed to assess the adequacy of capillary lead specimens. The first approach involved examination of a large database of capillary and venous samples for obvious differences. The second approach involved analysis of elevated lead followups for indications of gross contamination. The last approach involved experimentation to determine if handwashing eliminates gross contamination. Obvious differences were found between the venous and capillary databases. Gross contamination was rare, but the data suggest variable minor contamination. The analysis of elevated lead followups demonstrated that gross contamination is sometimes present, but more likely the decrease in followup results is due to day to day fluctuations in lead levels and decreases in minor contamination. Experimentation demonstrated that handwashing greatly reduces the amount of external lead contamination. Capillary lead testing should be considered a viable alternative to venous testing, provided that the patient and collector are meticulous in detail.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA305434
Entities
People
- Nathan H. Johnson
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology