Lead (ICP/MS)

One or more of the following: 0.50 mL EDTA whole blood or heparinized blood, 5 g fresh liver, 50 mg fresh liver biopsy (at least 3 Tru-Cut samples, no fluid added), 500 g feed, 5 mL water. 

For birds, 0.30 mL EDTA whole blood is adequate. 

If both zinc and lead are requested, the minimum sample is 0.60 mL EDTA whole blood or heparinized blood. 

For bovine, 5 g kidney is required.

Turnaround time is 1-3 days for serum/blood samples; 2-5 days for tissue or feed samples.

Do not submit tissues in formalin or saline. For feedstuff, submit a representative sample of the entire ration. Do not centrifuge EDTA whole blood samples.

Tissue or feed: sealed, leak-proof plastic bag or container. A $10 sample preparation fee will be added to tissue and feed specimens.

Blood: EDTA (purple top) or heparinized (green top) tube. If zinc toxicity is suspected, use a plastic tube or royal blue top trace mineral tubes. If vitamin testing is also desired, wrap tubes in foil or other light-protective material. 

Water: glass or plastic tube.

Label all samples. Ship overnight on cold packs.

The time required to complete testing of 5 or more feed/tissue samples and 10 or more whole blood samples may take longer than the posted turnaround time. Samples will be processed as quickly as possible. Turnaround time is 1-3 days for serum/blood samples; 2-5 days for tissue or feed samples.