Key investigations

Key investigations for lead poisoning are:

• whole blood lead concentration (see Toxic concentration)
• full blood count—normochromic, normocytic anaemia; basophilic stippling is characteristic, but may not be present in mild toxicity
• chest and abdominal X-rays—can confirm the presence of, and locate, ingested lead objects—see Lead object ingestion
• liver biochemistry
• serum electrolyte, urea, creatinine, uric acid and calcium concentrations
• iron studies
• zinc and copper concentrations—chelation therapy causes deficiencies in zinc and copper so baseline concentrations are useful.