Lead

Lead concentration in the blood is tested when lead poisoning is suspected. When taking blood, it is important to avoid glass containers made with lead components. In cases of chronic poisoning, microcytic anemia, erythrocyte basophilic stippling, and specific iron biochemistry indicators are always present. Serum iron and ferritin concentrations increase. Transferrin and TIBC may be slightly decreased. The TIBC indicator can sometimes decrease very significantly. The possibility of lead poisoning cannot be ruled out without finding an increased lead level in the blood. Sources of lead poisoning: paint, cosmetics industry, fuel production, battery industry, alternative medicine products, metal sources. Symptoms of lead poisoning: abdominal pain, anorexia, vomiting. In more severe cases, there may be: anemia, tremor, constipation, hypertension, arthralgia, encephalopathy, death. Lead can cause blood, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, nervous system, metabolic, and endocrine disorders, and many intoxications, including during pregnancy.