CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

If results are reported in µg/dL, what kind of sample was taken?

1. Air

2. Surface wipe

3. Blood

4. Soil

The correct answer is: Blood

When results are reported in micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), it indicates a measurement of concentration typically found in biological samples, most commonly blood. Blood lead levels are expressed in this unit of measurement, reflecting the amount of lead present in a specified volume of blood. This unit is critical in assessing potential lead exposure and poisoning in individuals, especially in children, where even low levels can be cause for concern. The other types of samples—air, surface wipe, and soil—are usually analyzed using different measurement units. For instance, air samples might be reported in µg/m³, while soil or surface wipe samples might be quantified in terms of lead concentration per weight or area, expressed in different measurement units suitable for those matrices. Hence, the use of µg/dL strongly points to blood as the sample type.