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Investigations

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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:

  • urinary coproporphyrin
  • microcytic hypochromic anaemia
  • the blood film shows basophilic stippling in the red cells

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