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:
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