Normal Reference Ranges
Adult
< 5 mcg/dL
Pediatric
< 3.5 (Stricter guidelines) mcg/dL
Clinical Significance
Heavy metal toxicity. Can cause microcytic anemia with basophilic stippling, peripheral neuropathy (wrist drop), and severe encephalopathy/developmental delay.
Causes of High
- Occupational exposure (battery manufacturing, smelting)
- Old paint ingestion (pica in children)
- Contaminated water/moonshine
Causes of Low
- Normal finding