Zeineb Ben Lamine, Imen Jarray, Houda Romdhane, Wafa Chenbah, Yosra Ben Youssef, Batoul Houissa
{"title":"Platelet transfusion refractoriness in Glanzmann thrombasthenia: a case report with literature review.","authors":"Zeineb Ben Lamine, Imen Jarray, Houda Romdhane, Wafa Chenbah, Yosra Ben Youssef, Batoul Houissa","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is a rare inherited platelet function disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the αIIbβ3 integrin, leading to impaired platelet aggregation. Platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) represents a therapeutic challenge, often resulting from alloimmunization against HLA antigens or the αIIbβ3 complex.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We report the case of a patient with type I GT, who presented with recurrent mucosal hemorrhages and chronic anemia requiring repeated transfusions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>By the age of 8 years, the patient developed transfusion refractoriness, with hemorrhagic episodes unresponsive to platelet transfusions. Immunologic investigations revealed anti-HLA and anti-αIIbβ3 antibodies. At 14 years of age, a severe hemorrhagic episode with rapid hemoglobin decline was successfully managed with recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Management of PTR in GT represents a major clinical challenge, frequently associated with anti-HLA or anti-αIIbβ3 antibodies. In high-resource settings, transfusion strategies are guided by antibody specificity: HLA-compatible or human platelet antigen-compatible platelets are used for patients with anti-HLA or anti-human platelet antigen antibodies, respectively, while rFVIIa is reserved for individuals with anti-αIIbβ3 antibodies. In LMIC such as Tunisia, prevention of alloimmunization through systematic leukoreduction is essential. When PTR occurs, donor selection by crossmatching, when feasible, and judicious use of rFVIIa for life-threatening hemorrhage remain key therapeutic options.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tasnem Alsebai, Muhammed Yaman Swied, Ricardo Cossyleon, Kathy Robinson, Kristin Delfino, John Gao, Krishna Rao
{"title":"HScore as a diagnostic tool in ERBB2 equivocal (immunohistochemistry 2+) breast cancer.","authors":"Tasnem Alsebai, Muhammed Yaman Swied, Ricardo Cossyleon, Kathy Robinson, Kristin Delfino, John Gao, Krishna Rao","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag006","DOIUrl":"10.1093/labmed/lmag006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>ERBB2 is amplified or overexpressed in 15% to 20% of primary invasive breast cancers. Despite the aggressive nature of ERBB2-positive breast cancers, the development of anti-ERBB2 therapy has resulted in better prognoses. HScore is a scoring system that broadens immunohistochemistry (IHC) results into a quantitative range. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether the HScore can be used to predict all ERBB2 IHC-equivocal cases as positive or negative without the need for fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Image acquisition and processing tools were used on previously collected tissue slides from patients with ERBB2 IHC 2+ breast cancer from 2014 to 2023. After image acquisition, HScore values were calculated using variables from image analysis software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean HScore values in ERBB2-positive cases were higher (3.06) than in ERBB2-negative cases (2.62). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis yielded an area under the curve of 0.668 (95% CI, 0.523-0.812), indicating poor predictive accuracy. The optimal HScore cutoff of 2.6007 provided moderate sensitivity (0.77) but limited specificity (0.58).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although the HScore showed moderate predictive accuracy, it lacked the reliability to replace fluorescence in situ hybridization as the gold standard. Future research should focus on refining the methodology and integrating it with other diagnostic approaches to enhance accuracy and clinical utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13069932/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147648001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A case report of meningeal carcinomatosis presenting as rapidly progressive dementia: cytological diagnosis with ancillary immunohistochemistry of cerebrobrospinal fluid cells.","authors":"Xiaoxuan Xu, Chang Su, Dongming Zheng","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Meningeal carcinomatosis (MC) is a severe complication of systemic cancers. Although typical presentations involve meningeal irritation or cranial nerve deficits, its manifestation as rapidly progressive dementia (RPD) in the absence of classic signs is exceedingly rare. This complication poses a substantial diagnostic challenge, especially when the primary tumor remains occult.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We present the case of a 56-year-old man with a 4-month history of progressive cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and visual hallucinations culminating in stupor. The diagnostic evaluation consisted of a comprehensive neurologic examination, contrast-enhanced brain magnetic resonance imaging, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and whole-body 18F-fludeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement. FDG-PET/CT demonstrated abnormal FDG uptake localized to the cerebellar cortex and basal meninges; however, no primary tumor was identified. A CSF analysis showed elevated opening pressure, pleocytosis, and increased protein; cytology confirmed malignant cells. Immunohistochemical profiling (CK7+, TTF1+, MOC31+, Ki-67 40%+, BerEp4+, EMA+) indicated adenocarcinoma of probable pulmonary origin, confirming MC.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This case underscores that RPD can be a rare but dominant initial feature of MC and highlights the essential role of CSF cytology combined with immunohistochemistry in achieving a definitive diagnosis, especially when neuroimaging is nonspecific and a primary tumor is not detected.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147647990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte profiles in an HIV-positive and HIV-negative female cohort.","authors":"Olive Khaliq, Niren Maharaj, Mikyle David, Ahmad Jassen, Nomakhuwa Tabane, Jagidesa Moodley","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag014","DOIUrl":"10.1093/labmed/lmag014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid global vaccine deployment, especially among high-risk groups, such as individuals living with HIV. Data are limited, however, on the immunologic effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination-specifically, on CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte levels-in HIV-positive women in South Africa, a population with high HIV prevalence.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cross-sectional study included 40 women (aged 14-42 years) admitted to a South African tertiary-care hospital, stratified by HIV and SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status. Flow cytometry (BD Multitest [BD Biosciences]) was used to determine absolute CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts. Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism, version 8, software (GraphPad Software). The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparisons between 2 independent groups. For comparisons across more than 2 groups, either a 1-way analysis of variance or the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied, with statistically significant results followed by the Dunn multiple comparisons test. Spearman correlation was used to assess relationships between variables. In all cases, statistical significance was defined as P < .05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 40 participants, 27 (68%) were HIV positive and 20 (50%) were vaccinated. CD4+ T-cell counts were statistically significantly higher in HIV-negative women than in HIV-positive women (P = .01), while CD8+ levels did not differ significantly (P = .41). Vaccination status had no statistically significant impact on CD4+ or CD8+ counts. The CD4/CD8 ratio was statistically significantly higher in HIV-positive women (P = .01), especially among the unvaccinated subgroup (P = .002).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SARS-CoV-2 vaccination did not substantially alter CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocyte levels, regardless of HIV status.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13092133/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147719166","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Beyond the first call: unveiling the gray areas in reactive donor notification and counseling in lower-middle-income countries-a systematic scoping review.","authors":"Rishiraj Sinha, Richard Gammon","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Donor notification and counseling after reactive screening for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) are critical to transfusion safety and public health, yet practices in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) remain inconsistent and poorly evaluated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews-guided scoping review was conducted to map evidence on TTI-reactive donor notification and follow-up in LMIC. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science for English-language studies published between January 2005 and June 2025. Eligible studies reported notification strategies, donor psychological factors, linkage-to-care outcomes, digital health interventions, or system-level integration. Data were extracted and narratively synthesized across 5 thematic domains, as mentioned in the \"Results\" section.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Notification success and donor response varied widely. Telephone-based notification consistently achieved higher return rates than letters or text messaging, while replacement donors demonstrated lower follow-up than did voluntary donors. Stigma, fear, and inaccurate contact information were major barriers to counseling. Evidence on linkage to confirmatory testing and treatment was limited; digital health approaches were largely absent. No studies evaluated cost-effectiveness or workforce impact.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Overall, TTI-reactive donor notification in LMIC remains fragmented, with critical gaps in digital innovation, psychosocial support, and linkage-to-care evaluation. Strengthening system-integrated, technology-enabled, culturally sensitive notification models is essential to improve donor and public health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147848089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qiang Fang, Yali Zhu, Ying Liang, Huiming Li, Shaoying Yan
{"title":"Evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of a 4-marker serum panel for hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.","authors":"Qiang Fang, Yali Zhu, Ying Liang, Huiming Li, Shaoying Yan","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmaf093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmaf093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>We sought to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II combined with ɑ-fetoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, and γ-glutamyltransferase and to provide a more reliable combined detection scheme for the clinical diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The research used a retrospective case-control framework encompassing 300 participants who were allocated to 1 of 4 groups. Clinical data and serum biomarker levels were collected. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to integrate these markers into a quantitative risk score. The diagnostic performance of all models was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, with areas under the curve (AUCs) compared using the DeLong test. Optimal diagnostic thresholds were determined based on prespecified high-sensitivity targets to align with clinical screening and surveillance goals.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For broad screening (HBV-related HCC vs control), the combined model achieved a superior AUC of 0.906; at 90% sensitivity, its specificity was 70.7%. For high-risk surveillance (HBV-related HCC vs benign liver disease), the model achieved an AUC of 0.837; at 80% sensitivity, its specificity was 74.6%, representing a clinically optimal balance.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The multimarker combined detection strategy substantially improves diagnostic efficacy for HBV-related HCC compared with single-marker approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147617197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Whole genome sequencing reveals diagnosis in a 12-month-old child with elevated creatinine kinase, pseudohypertriglyceridemia, and a complex phenotype.","authors":"Jude Abadie, Maria Flores","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Contiguous gene deletion syndromes (CGDSs) can be inherited or the result of microdeletions (eg, resulting from crossing-over errors) in gene-rich chromosome regions. Molecular mechanisms leading to chromosome loss in hotspot areas, such as errors in chromosome crossing-over events, can explain phenotypic presentations in CGDSs. Accurate interpretation of laboratory results in the context of clinical presentation can guide genetic testing that supports a timely diagnosis so that quicker interventions can improve clinical outcomes. Treatment of genetic disorders not only requires timely and accurate treatment, however, but also necessitates management and education of family members who care for the patient. Xp21.3-p21.2 deletion syndrome is a CGDS that has been documented in more than 100 male patients; it presents with primary adrenal insufficiency in the neonatal period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Here, we report the largest Xp21.3-p21.2 CGDS series to date.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>Initial presentation was incorrectly diagnosed as adrenal insufficiency only, despite excessively elevated creatinine kinase and triglycerides, which could have expedited the correct diagnosis of Xp21.3p21.1 CGDS by guiding whole genome or targeted sequencing.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147663504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeayeon Ryu, Sollip Kim, Sang-Hee Lee, Sung Han Kang, Woochang Lee, Sail Chun, Ho Joon Im
{"title":"A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for therapeutic drug monitoring of treosulfan.","authors":"Jeayeon Ryu, Sollip Kim, Sang-Hee Lee, Sung Han Kang, Woochang Lee, Sail Chun, Ho Joon Im","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Treosulfan is an alkylating agent administered before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Because pharmacokinetic parameters exhibit interindividual variability, therapeutic drug monitoring may be necessary. In this study, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for monitoring treosulfan was developed and validated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Treosulfan was separated from 25 µL plasma after protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Treosulfan-D4 was used as the internal standard. Separation was performed using an ACQUITY UPLC Ι-Class PLUS System (Waters Corporation) coupled with a Xevo TQ-XS Mass Spectrometer (Waters Corporation). Limit of quantification, selectivity, linearity, imprecision, carryover, matrix effect, and stability were validated according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mass-to-charge transitions were treosulfan 296.2 > 87.1 and treosulfan-D4 300.2 > 91.1. The total run time was 4 minutes. The limit of quantification of treosulfan was 3.13 µg/mL. The calibration curve was linear in the 3.13 to 100-µg/mL range. The method was adequately selective and without carryover or matrix effect. Treosulfan was stable in plasma for 2 hours at room temperature and for up to 3 days and 1 week when stored at 10 °C and ‒20 °C, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring treosulfan met Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute validation requirements and exhibited robust performance, suggesting its utility for therapeutic drug monitoring in clinics treating patients with treosulfan.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147793455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Systematic investigation of population-wide elevation in serum uric acid among military conscripts: development of a traceable laboratory quality control framework.","authors":"Xianmin Lv, Yulian Li, Luwei Yan, Honglei Yu","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag021","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag021","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>A collective elevation in serum uric acid levels was detected among 98 military conscripts during routine physical examinations. This study aimed to determine the underlying causes and establish a traceable laboratory quality control framework for abnormal biochemical results.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic investigation encompassing analytical performance, preanalytical variables, and possible exogenous interferences was conducted. Population characteristics, including dietary habits and physical activity, were examined and experimentally validated. Ten participants were retested after controlling high-purine intake and exercise intensity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No deviations were identified in analytical systems or preanalytical procedures. No interference from exogenous substances was observed. Controlled validation experiments demonstrated that consumption of chicken liver and high-intensity exercise increased serum uric acid levels by 21.22% and 20.85%, respectively (P < .001). After intervention, serum uric acid levels decreased by 32.40% on average, with levels in 70% of participants returning to the reference range.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The generalized serum uric acid elevation in conscripts was primarily attributed to combined effects of a high-purine diet and strenuous exercise. Establishing a traceable, standardized quality management model enables laboratories to accurately identify, verify, and resolve abnormal test results, enhancing analytical reliability and clinical data integrity.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147793528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Elevated blood lead in pregnancy: evidence supporting enhanced surveillance.","authors":"Ashley R Weaver, Halimat Olaniyan, Rejwi A Dahal","doi":"10.1093/labmed/lmag004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/labmed/lmag004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Prenatal lead exposure increases the risk of pregnancy complications and results in fetal neurodevelopmental damage. Despite well-documented risks, most clinicians predominantly rely on risk-based screening rather than on blood lead testing. The study aimed to measure whole blood lead levels (BLLs) in pregnant women from parts of Indiana and explore associations with maternal age, residential zip code, and median household income.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Remnant whole blood samples submitted for hemoglobin electrophoresis were diluted 250-fold with aqueous diluent, and lead was measured by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry. A BLL of 1 μg/dL or greater was classified as elevated in this study, although thresholds set for public health screening are higher.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 548 samples analyzed, 37 (6.8%) had a BLL of 1 µg/dL or higher, 2 samples were between 3.5 and 4.9 µg/dL, and 4 samples were 5 µg/dL or higher. We found no association between median household income based on zip code and elevated BLL. Participants were also grouped by age (analysis of variance P < .05), with Tukey honestly significant difference indicating higher mean BLL in participants 40 years of age or older.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Nearly 7% of the sampled pregnant population had elevated BLLs, which highlights continued need for surveillance of lead exposure in this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":94124,"journal":{"name":"Laboratory medicine","volume":"57 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147501291","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}