What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about ongoing exposure to lead from your job, home, water, or environment. It's often used by people who work around batteries, paint, construction, or metal recycling, or who live in older homes with lead pipes or paint. This test looks at lead levels stored in your hair over time, which can help flag exposure that a single blood test might miss.

What's included in this test?

This is a single-marker test that measures the amount of lead accumulated in your hair. Hair is useful for this purpose because it reflects exposure over a longer window of time compared to a one-time blood draw, making it a good tool for spotting ongoing or past exposure patterns.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with the lead level explained alongside a reference range so you know what's typical versus elevated. If your level is higher than expected, simple next steps include identifying and removing the exposure source, improving ventilation or hygiene practices at work or home, and rechecking your level after a few months to confirm it's trending down. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and the trends feature lets you track your lead level over multiple tests to see if your changes are working.

How can I naturally support lead detox?

Eating foods rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce how much lead your body absorbs and holds onto. Staying well hydrated supports your kidneys and liver in naturally clearing out toxins, including lead. Reducing contact with the exposure source — like old paint dust, contaminated soil, or certain imported cosmetics and spices — is the most effective step you can take alongside a healthy diet.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view the detailed report and download it as needed.

Who should consider this test?

People who work in industries like construction, battery manufacturing, auto repair, or metal recycling should consider this test, since these jobs carry higher lead exposure risk. It's also useful for anyone living in an older home with lead paint or plumbing, or parents wanting to check a household member's exposure history. If you've noticed symptoms like fatigue, irritability, headaches, or trouble concentrating without a clear cause, this test can help rule lead exposure in or out.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs of lead exposure include unexplained fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle aches, irritability, trouble concentrating, and stomach discomfort. In some cases people notice memory issues or a metallic taste in their mouth. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, testing is the clearest way to know if lead exposure is a factor.

What does a high lead result mean?

A high result means more lead has built up in your body than is considered safe, which over time can affect your nervous system, kidneys, and overall energy levels. The next step is figuring out where the exposure is coming from — your workplace, home, water source, or certain consumer products — and reducing or removing contact with it. If your level is significantly elevated, seek medical care promptly, since high lead levels can require closer monitoring.

What causes high lead levels?

Common causes include working in industries that involve lead (construction, manufacturing, recycling), living in homes built before 1978 with lead paint or lead pipes, and using certain imported cosmetics, ceramics, or traditional remedies that contain lead. Contaminated soil or dust near old industrial sites can also be a source. Identifying the specific source in your situation is key to lowering your exposure going forward.

How often should I retest?

If you're actively working to reduce a known exposure, retesting every 3 to 6 months is a reasonable way to track progress. If your result comes back normal and you don't have ongoing exposure risks, annual testing or testing only when new concerns arise is usually enough. Anyone in a high-exposure job or environment may want to test more regularly as a precaution.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hair Lead Test - Exposure Monitoring & Tracking

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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