What is the only definitive way to determine lead poisoning?

Blood lead level testing is the only definitive way to determine lead poisoning because it provides a direct measurement of the amount of lead circulating in a person's bloodstream. This test quantifies the concentration of lead in the blood, which is directly correlated with exposure to lead and its toxic effects on health.

In contrast, while other methods such as x-ray imaging can reveal the presence of lead-containing materials in the body (such as lead in bones), they do not assess the actual level of lead poisoning or the degree of exposure. Symptom evaluation can help identify potential lead poisoning cases, but symptoms can be non-specific and vary greatly among individuals, making it an unreliable method for definitive diagnosis. Urine analysis can indicate lead exposure, but it is not the most reliable measure of current lead levels in the body, as it reflects lead that has been excreted and not necessarily the amount that is currently affecting a person's health. Therefore, blood lead level testing is the established and trusted method for confirming lead poisoning.