Abstract: This disclosed method improves the accuracy of testing blood for the levels of contaminant, such as lead, cadmium and mercury, in individuals. The method comprises cleaning the area where the skin will be penetrated to obtain the blood sample to remove the contaminant to be measured in the blood. The cleansing is accomplished with a cleanser formulated to remove the contaminant to be measured in the blood from the surface of the skin, the pores, sweat ducts, hair follicles and sebaceous gland ducts. The method reduces contamination of the blood sample by contaminants on, and/or in the portion of the skin through which the blood sample is drawn. A premoistened wipe can also be used that mobilizes heavy metals from the skin surface, the skin pores, sweat ducts, hair follicles and sebaceous gland ducts, and is formed with a wipe substrate material selected for its affinity to bind the toxic materials.

Abstract: A testing kit and method of testing for the presence of lead mercury and chromate in surface coatings is provided that can accurately determine the presence of lead, mercury and chromate in the surface coating without interference from other constituents of the surface coating. The kit includes an alkaline caustic that is utilized to dissolve the coating material to enable any lead or mercury present in the coating material to react with a subsequently added second solution containing sulfide ions, while preventing interference of other ionic species with the interaction of the lead and sulfide. The sulfide ions can then react with the lead or mercury in order to produce a dark color for the resulting solution. The resulting color can then be compared against a color standard to determine the amount of lead or mercury present in the sample.