Evaluation of a second-generation portable blood lead analyzer in an occupational setting.
BACKGROUND
A new blood lead testing instrument has qualities that make the instrument attractive for on-site testing of occupational lead exposures. This study evaluated the accuracy of the instrument when used in a manufacturing setting, and examined the impact of blood storage and shipment on results.


METHODS
Venous blood specimens (n=121) were obtained and immediately analyzed on-site using the new instrument. They were then shipped to a reference laboratory and analyzed using electro-thermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), and retested using the new instrument.


RESULTS
The cohort blood lead concentration averaged 40.1 microg/dl. Results obtained on the new analyzer with freshly collected blood averaged 38.7 microg/dl. The mean difference of 1.2 microg/dl on paired samples was not statistically significant. Following blood shipment and storage, results on the analyzer increased to an average of 42.4 microg/dl. The mean increase of 3.0 microg/dl on stored blood samples also failed to reach statistical significance. Under OSHA proficiency test acceptability requirements, 94% of the results had satisfactory agreement.


CONCLUSIONS
The new analyzer might be a useful tool for on-site monitoring of occupational lead exposures. The manufacturer's instructions should be adhered to with respect to specimen age and storage requirements.
Stanton
Noel V
NV
Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, Toxicology Section, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7996, USA. nvstox@mail.slh.wisc.edu
Fritsch
Tracy
T
D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000097:blood / Q000633:toxicity*; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic / Q000295:instrumentation
D007854:Lead