You took the screener and at least one pathway is flagged. The next step is a blood lead test for everyone in the household. Here's exactly what to ask, who to ask, and what to do if you can't or don't want to go through your GP.
How to ask your doctor
Many GPs and family doctors don't routinely order blood lead tests for adults. They may push back. Here's a script that works:
You: "Hi Dr. ____, I've been doing some research on lead exposure. Based on the LEAD Group's screener, I have [N] risk factors — [name 1-2 specific ones, e.g., 'I live in a pre-1978 house with peeling paint' or 'My drinking water comes through pre-1986 plumbing']. I'd like to get a blood lead level test for [me / my child / our family]."
If they say "We don't usually test adults": "I understand. CDC guidance says adults with identified exposure pathways should be tested. I'm specifically asking for a venous blood lead level — please order one."
If they say "It's expensive / not covered": "I'd like to pay out of pocket if needed. Can you write the lab order?"
If they say "What would I do with the result?": "Compare to the CDC reference value of 3.5 µg/dL. Anything above 3.5 means I should reduce exposure. Above 10, I should be re-tested in 1-3 months."
Important: Ask for a venous blood draw, not a finger-prick capillary test. Capillary tests can be falsely high from skin lead. The Magellan LeadCare device (widely used 2017+) had FDA-warned accuracy issues with venous blood — but a standard hospital lab AAS or ICP-MS test is reliable.
If you'd rather skip the GP — direct-to-consumer blood lead tests
Skip the appointment, skip the explanation, skip the insurance debate. These services let you order a blood lead test yourself, get a lab requisition, and walk into a draw centre.
United States — direct-pay blood lead tests
Quest Diagnostics — Lead Test
~$59 + draw fee
Order online, walk into any of 2,200+ Quest Patient Service Centers nationwide. Results in 1-2 business days through MyQuest portal. Adult or child (specify on order).
Order online, draw at any LabCorp Patient Service Center. Results in patient portal within 3-5 days. Available in most states except NY, NJ, RI (state regulations vary).
For children under 6: US Medicaid REQUIRES blood lead testing at 12 and 24 months, regardless of risk factors. If your child is on Medicaid and hasn't been tested, that's a billable failure on the pediatrician's part — bring it up.
Australia — direct-pay blood lead tests
Australia doesn't have the same direct-to-consumer blood test market as the US. Medicare covers blood lead via GP referral if there's clinical indication. For everyone else:
Get a referral from your GP (or a private occupational health physician), then walk into any Sonic collection centre. National coverage. Pay direct if no Medicare item number applies.
If your GP won't refer or you don't have one, telehealth platforms like i-Screen let you book a 10-minute consult that can result in a lab order for blood lead.
The LEAD Group's preferred pathway: Get a LEAD Group Kit first (soil + dust + paint + water), then take the results to your GP as evidence to justify the blood test. Pre-doing the environmental tests means the GP is more likely to refer.
United Kingdom — direct-pay blood lead tests
Medichecks — Lead Blood Test
~£89
Choose between home finger-prick kit (mailed, you draw) or in-person venous draw at one of 200+ partner clinics. Results in 2-3 days via online portal. Includes GP-style report.
Note: Finger-prick (capillary) tests can be falsely elevated by lead on the skin. If your home/finger-prick test is high, follow up with a venous draw to confirm — easily done at NHS or any private clinic.
Canada — direct-pay blood lead tests
LifeLabs — Blood Lead Level
~C$60-85 (province-dependent)
Available in BC, ON, SK. Requires a requisition from a physician. Direct-pay if not covered by provincial plan.
Canada-specific: Each province handles lab coverage differently. Quebec and Alberta have their own provincial labs. Ontario, BC, Saskatchewan: LifeLabs. Atlantic provinces: Dynacare or provincial public health.
What to do with the result
Reference values for blood lead — and what they mean
There is no safe level of lead in blood. The CDC has lowered the "reference value" three times since 1991:
1991: 25 µg/dL (now considered catastrophically high)
2012: 5 µg/dL
2021: 3.5 µg/dL ← current US CDC reference value for children
Australia (NHMRC, 2015): 5 µg/dL "investigative level"
UK (HSE, 2021): 10 µg/dL adult occupational; no consumer guidance
What to do at each level (US CDC + NHMRC alignment): <1 µg/dL: Below most labs' detection limit. Best possible result. 1–3.5 µg/dL: Detectable but below US reference. Worth identifying source if you can. Re-test in 12 months. 3.5–10 µg/dL: Above US reference. Investigate sources, remove exposure, re-test in 1-3 months. 10–20 µg/dL: Confirmed elevated. Aggressive source removal. Re-test in 1 month. Children should see paediatric specialist. 20–45 µg/dL: Significant. Medical workup. Possibly chelation in symptomatic children. 45+ µg/dL: Medical emergency. Hospitalisation likely; chelation therapy.
Don't have any of those services where you live?
If you're outside US/AU/UK/CA, look for:
Hospital biochemistry departments — most can run blood lead with a physician requisition
Occupational health clinics — they routinely test workers for lead
WHO-listed reference laboratories — your country's environmental health authority can direct you
The LEAD Group at info@lead.org.au can advise on local options for any country
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I was testing everything around the house like plates cups clothes etc, and most things were negative (yay!) But then i tested a pair of old boots and they came up positive!the pleather on the boots were flaking off too! My family would still be getting that exposure if i didnt have this kit, thank you!!
I am so glad I bought the Fluoro-Spec Test Kit! I've been worried about some of the dishes (especially mugs) my family regularly uses. I was able to reassure myself that most of the mugs were fine (one I did have to throw out due to testing positive for lead). And nearly all of our plates and bowls tested safe. I am thankful I have this to help make good, educated decisions about what items we use.