What condition must be met for a blood lead level test to be considered elevated?

An elevated blood lead level test is recognized when two tests yield results over 20 micrograms per deciliter (ug/dL). This threshold is significant because lead poisoning can have severe health effects, particularly in children, and recognizing elevated levels early is essential for effective intervention. Testing protocols often consider two measurements to ensure accuracy and avoid false positives that may result from a single high reading.

Testing twice and observing results above 20 ug/dL provides a clearer indication of lead exposure risk, confirming that the individual is likely experiencing significant lead accumulation in their body, warranting further investigation or intervention.