Clinical Metals Testing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. I haven’t submitted samples before? What do I need to do?
Q. How long does it take to do the testing?
Q. Who can receive lab results?
Q. I’m missing a laboratory result for one of my patients, do you have it?
Q. The samples were not refrigerated over the weekend, are they still suitable for testing?
Q. I have a billing question, who do I contact?
Q. Why is an elevated capillary blood lead result confirmed with a venous sample?
Q. What does it mean when there is a high capillary lead result and a low venous confirmation result?
Q. The laboratory report says the result is reportable, what agency do I report it to?
Q. I need more supplies for collecting capillary blood lead samples, how do I get them?
Q. What supplies are provided in the capillary blood lead collection kit?
Q. Do you accept samples collected with materials you did not provide?
Q. What is the best sample to collect for measuring mercury exposure?
Q. Can I submit a urine sample for a lead test?

 

Q. I haven’t submitted samples before? What do I need to do?
A. You can easily be set up as a new submitter. There are some pieces of general information needed, which you can provide through our new submitter form. Many submitters receive their results via fax. For HIPAA purposes, If you want to receive faxed results, you must provide the following fax agreement form.

 

Q. How long does it take to do the testing?
A. Blood lead results are generally obtained less than or equal to 4 working days from the time of receipt in the laboratory. Other tests typically require approximately 5 working days.

 

Q. Who can receive lab results?
A. The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) limits the release of protected health information to the submitting agency. Results can be reported to other parties only with a signed authorization from the patient. Blood lead results are also reported to the Wisconsin Division of Public Health as required by state law.

 

Q. I’m missing a laboratory result for one of my patients, do you have it?
A. Contact us at 608-224-6252 and we can determine if a sample was received and if the testing has been completed and a report issued. We can also provide a duplicate report.

 

Q. The samples were not refrigerated over the weekend, are they still suitable for testing?
A. Yes, properly collected samples for trace metals testing are stable at room temperature for weeks and at refrigerated temperature for months.

 

Q. I have a billing question, who do I contact?
Call:  800-862-1065
E-mail: arbill@slh.wisc.edu

 

Q. Why is an elevated capillary blood lead result confirmed with a venous sample?
A. A capillary sample collected for a blood lead test is more susceptible to environmental contamination than is a venous sample. An elevated capillary result needs to be confirmed with a venous drawn sample to rule out the possibility of a false positive result.

 

Q. What does it mean when there is a high capillary lead result and a low venous confirmation result?
A. This is typically caused by the capillary sample being contaminated with environmental lead. Since lead is widespread in the environment, special care must be taken when collecting capillary samples. Please review our comprehensive instructions for the collection of capillary samples for blood lead testing for the proper procedure.

 

Q. The laboratory report says the result is reportable, what agency do I report it to?
A. The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene reports results to the appropriate agency (e.g., the Wisconsin Division of Public Health), so you don’t need to report results.

 

Q. I need more supplies for collecting capillary blood lead samples, how do I get them?
A. For a capillary blood lead collection kit (Kit #6) or specific materials supplied in the kit, use our online order form. You may also call 608-224-6252 or our toll-free number 1-800-442-4618. Information you need to provide includes your agency name, agency account number, and the number and type of supplies you need.

 

Q. What supplies are provided in the capillary blood lead collection kit?
A. Kit #6 contains most of the supplies needed to collect and send us samples from 100 children. A complete list of included materials can be found here.

 

Q. Do you accept samples collected with materials you did not provide?
A. Yes.  However, for fingerstick collection the benefits of using the collection materials we provide are that they have been tested to be free of lead contamination. WSLH materials are provided at no cost to you.

 

Q. What is the best sample to collect for measuring MERCURY exposure?
A. Both whole blood and urine samples are suitable for testing. Note that one sample type may be preferred over the other, depending on the chemical form of mercury.

 

Q. Can I submit a urine sample for a LEAD test?
A. Urine is not considered to be a valid indicator of lead exposure. Blood is the preferred sample to collect.