Abstract
The proposed test is based on observations that lead, in vitro and in vivo, increases the osmotic resistance of erythrocytes.
Blood samples were collected in heparinized lead-free tubes from 32 patients admitted to the hospital with lead poisoning (blood lead level of 0.06 mg/100 ml, or higher). Samples obtained from 30 blood donors, 27 children without lead poisoning and 10 children with iron deficiency anemia served as controls. A hemoglobin pipetteful of blood is added to each of two tubes, one containing 5 ml of 0.4% buffered sodium chloride solution and the other, 5 ml of double distilled water. After 20 minutes, the tubes are centrifuged and the optical density (OD) of the supernatants determined at 540 mμ. The results are calculated and expressed as follows:
(OD in 0.4% saline ÷ OD in water) × 100 = % hemolysis
The results show that the mean hemolysis in children with lead poisoning (49.9, SD 18.7) was distinctly lower (P < .01) than that in blood donors (95.2, SD 5.2), in unaffected children (92.2, SD 6.0) and in children with iron deficiency anemia (87.1, SD 9.2). The test identified 28 of 32 children with blood lead levels of 0.06 mg/100 ml, or higher, and each of ten children with blood lead levels of 0.09 mg/100 ml, or more.
Further data, derived from continued use of the test, will be presented.
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Qazi, Q., Madahar, D. & Smithwick, E. A test for lead poisoning based on increased osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. Pediatr Res 5, 375 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00018
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00018