What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about lead exposure from your job, hobbies, or home environment. Nail samples can reflect lead buildup in the body over time, which is useful for exposure monitoring and investigation. It's often used by people who work around lead-based materials or who suspect they've been exposed to lead through paint, soil, or water.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a normal versus elevated lead level looks like. If your level is elevated, simple next steps include identifying and removing the exposure source, improving hygiene practices like handwashing before eating, and retesting after making changes to see if levels are dropping. A downloadable lab report is available in your account, and you can track your lead levels over time using the trends feature to see if exposure is increasing or decreasing.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who works in industries like construction, battery manufacturing, plumbing, or auto repair where lead exposure is common should consider this test. It's also useful for people living in older homes with lead paint or pipes, or those who've recently renovated a pre-1978 home. If you've noticed unexplained fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues and suspect lead exposure, this test can help investigate that concern.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms like persistent fatigue, headaches, joint or muscle pain, memory problems, and stomach issues can sometimes point to lead exposure. Some people also notice irritability or trouble concentrating. If you work around lead or live in an older building and have these symptoms, testing can help you investigate whether exposure is a factor.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Once ready, you'll be notified and can log into your account to view the full report. The report will explain your lead level and what it means in plain language.

How can I naturally reduce my lead exposure?

Simple steps include washing your hands often, especially before eating, and keeping work clothes separate from your home laundry if you work around lead. Eating a diet rich in calcium, iron, and vitamin C can help reduce how much lead your body absorbs. Regularly cleaning dust from floors and surfaces, especially in older homes, also helps lower ongoing exposure.

What does a high lead result mean?

A high result means lead has been building up in your body, often from repeated contact with lead-based materials like old paint, contaminated soil, or certain occupational settings. Even without obvious symptoms, elevated lead can affect long-term health, so it's worth identifying the source right away. Reducing contact with the exposure source and retesting is a practical next step.

What causes elevated lead levels?

Common causes include working in industries like construction, welding, or battery recycling, living in a home with old lead paint or lead pipes, or spending time in contaminated soil or dust. Certain hobbies like stained glass work, ceramics, or ammunition reloading can also raise exposure. Identifying the specific source in your daily environment is key to lowering your levels.

How often should I retest?

If you have ongoing exposure risk, such as a job that involves lead, retesting every few months can help you track whether your levels are rising or falling. Once you've addressed the exposure source, retesting after a few months can confirm your levels are improving. Your trends feature makes it easy to compare results over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

Start by identifying and reducing contact with the likely source of lead in your environment, whether that's at work or home. Practice good hygiene like washing hands frequently and cleaning living spaces to reduce dust. If your levels are significantly elevated or you're experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical care right away, since high lead levels can require prompt attention.

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.

Lead Nail Test - Exposure Monitoring & Investigation

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

[email protected]