Fluorescence of the erythrocytes in lead poisoning in children: an aid to rapid diagnosis

In seven children with lead poisoning, a thin wet-preparation of erythrocytes was examined under ultraviolet light. In every case red fluorescence was found in 75 to 100% of the erythrocytes. The fluorescence appears to be related to the amount of free protoporphyrin in the erythrocytes. Over 150 preparations of erythrocytes from patients with a variety of other clinical conditions showed 0 to 50% fluorescent erythrocytes. This test is a simple, rapid, reliable method to aid in the diagnosis of lead poisoning in children.