Early signs of lead-exposure. A comparative study of laboratory tests.

摘要: Previous work has shown that urinary lead, coproporphyrin (CP), and δ-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) are closely related after exposure to lead. We have confirmed the relationship in 50 automobile workers with different exposures, also estimated porphobilinogen (PBG) levels. There was some evidence a raised ALA level gave an earlier sign of lead absorption than CP level. ALA-dehydratase activity (converting PBG) greatly reduced by exposure, on average 20% normal. This reduction strongly correlated increases CP, is most sensitive test A weak correlation found between number coarsely stippled cells, or basophilic quotient, levels ALA. In addition, serum aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT) alanine (SGPT) were not affected The protein patterns haemoglobin unaffected.