Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
Evaluation of a Point-of-Care Testing Analyzer for Measuring Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Published on: March 22, 2022
[Concordance in blood lead quantification between laboratories]
Cuauhtémoc Arturo Juárez-Pérez1, Yuliana Fabiola Zempoalteca-Angulo, Luis Cuauhtémoc Haro-García
1Unidad de Investigación en Salud en el Trabajo, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Distrito Federal, México. gpeaguilarm@gmail.com.
Blood lead level measurements showed poor agreement between ABC Hospital laboratory (LABC) and Occupational Health Laboratory 1 (OHL1V), and null agreement with Occupational Health Laboratory 2 (OHL2DF). Occupational health laboratory certification is crucial for reliable lead exposure monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Lead exposure in occupational settings poses significant health risks.
- Accurate biological monitoring is essential for assessing worker exposure to lead.
- Variability in laboratory results can impact occupational health assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation and agreement of blood lead quantification between a hospital laboratory (LABC) and two occupational health laboratories (OHL1V, OHL2DF).
- To assess the reliability of blood lead measurements for occupational exposure monitoring.
- To highlight the need for standardized laboratory practices in occupational health.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 84 workers from a lead-welding company.
- Blood samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry at LABC, OHL1V, and OHL2DF.
- Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, coefficient of determination, Lin's concordance test, and Bland-Altman plots.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation (r=0.91, p<0.001) and agreement (rho=0.85) were found between LABC and OHL1V.
- A weak correlation (r=0.25, p=0.24) and null agreement (rho=0.21) were observed between LABC and OHL2DF.
- Agreement between LABC and OHL1V was considered poor (<0.90).
Conclusions:
- There is a significant discrepancy in blood lead measurements between the laboratories studied.
- The findings underscore the need for standardized protocols and certification for occupational health laboratories.
- Ensuring reliable biological exposure index measurements is critical for effective lead occupational exposure management.
