Details of a Medical Examination

What does a lead-related medical examination include?

Since the best indicator of lead exposure is through higher-than-normal blood lead levels, a blood test is best for indicating overexposure. A lead-related medical exam must also include the following:

• Detailed work and medical histories. These should pay particular attention to past lead exposure (both occupational and nonoccupational), personal habits (for example, smoking and hygiene), and previous health issues (gastrointestinal, hematologic, renal, cardiovascular, reproductive, and neurological).
• A thorough physical exam. This should pay particular attention to gums and teeth as well as the hematologic, gastrointestinal, renal, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. If the job will involve respirators, then the exam should include a lung function evaluation.
• Hemoglobin and hematocrit determinations, red cell indices, and an exam of peripheral smear morphology, Zinc protoporphyrin, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine
• Blood pressure
• Routine urinalysis

The exam should also include any other test the examining physician thinks is necessary.

To learn more about Construction Lead Safety visit our Construction Lead Safety Online Training Certification web page.