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Medical information Clinical review pending

Diagnostic Testing

Lead Blood Test

Detect lead levels in your blood. This test helps identify lead exposure, which can cause serious health problems, especially in children. Early detection allows for timely intervention.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
4 mL (2 mL minimum) whole blood collected in a metal-free Royal Blue Top (K2EDTA) tube. Use powderless gloves during collection.
Results
Results are typically available the next day after the sample is received by the laboratory by 6 PM.
Preparation
If you have recently received Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media, please inform the laboratory, as collection should be delayed for 96 hours.
Test priceKSh 4,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Lead Blood Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Symptoms suggestive of lead poisoning (e.g., abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches, irritability).
  • ✓Individuals living in older homes with potential lead paint.
  • ✓Workers in industries involving lead (e.g., construction, battery manufacturing, smelting).
  • ✓Children at risk due to environmental exposure.
  • ✓Monitoring individuals undergoing lead chelation therapy.
  • ✓Screening in areas with known lead contamination.
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test is used to screen for and diagnose lead poisoning (plumbism). It helps assess the level of lead exposure and guides clinical management, including identifying sources of exposure and determining the need for chelation therapy or environmental remediation.
The Lead Blood Test measures the amount of lead present in your bloodstream. Lead is a toxic metal that can accumulate in the body through various sources like old paint, contaminated water, or certain industrial processes. Exposure to high levels of lead can lead to significant health issues, particularly affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and blood production. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning. This test is crucial for identifying lead toxicity early, enabling appropriate medical management and preventative measures. We use advanced techniques like Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to ensure accurate results.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationIf you have recently received Gadolinium or Iodine-containing contrast media, please inform the laboratory, as collection should be delayed for 96 hours.
Sample4 mL (2 mL minimum) whole blood collected in a metal-free Royal Blue Top (K2EDTA) tube. Use powderless gloves during collection.
MethodologyAtomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) with Zeeman correction.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
The test measures lead levels at the time of collection. It does not indicate the source or duration of exposure. Results can be affected by recent exposure to contrast media. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

This test measures the concentration of lead in your blood, indicating the level of lead exposure.
Individuals with symptoms of lead poisoning, those living in older homes, workers in certain industries, and children at risk should consider this test.
Symptoms can include abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, headaches, and irritability. Children may also experience developmental delays.
A blood sample is drawn from your arm using a specific type of tube (Royal Blue Top with K2EDTA).
Results are usually available the next day after the sample is received at the lab by 6 PM.
Your doctor will interpret the results. Elevated levels indicate lead exposure and may require further investigation or treatment.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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