CDPH Lead Inspector/Assessor California State Practice Exam

What unit of measurement is used for lead in blood samples?

1. Grams per liter (g/L)

2. Nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL)

3. Micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL)

4. Milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³)

The correct answer is: Micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL)

The appropriate unit of measurement for lead in blood samples is micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). This unit is commonly used in clinical and environmental health assessments to quantify the concentration of lead in the bloodstream, particularly in children and vulnerable populations, since even small amounts of lead can be harmful. Using micrograms per deciliter allows for a precise and practical representation of the low concentrations of lead that are typically present in human blood. This measurement aligns with standard medical practices and guidelines established by health organizations, making it the preferred unit for assessing lead exposure and toxicity. In contrast, the other units listed are not suitable for this application. Grams per liter (g/L) would represent a much higher concentration than would be found in blood, while nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) is too small a scale for standard blood lead level reporting, and milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³) is typically used for measuring airborne concentrations rather than biological samples. Thus, micrograms per deciliter is the standard and most effective measurement for evaluating lead levels in blood.