What process is used to remove lead from the blood?

The process used to remove lead from the blood is chelation. Chelation therapy involves the administration of chelating agents—substances that can bind to heavy metals like lead. Once bound, the metal-chelate complex is more easily excreted from the body, primarily through the kidneys and urine. This is particularly important in cases of lead poisoning, as lead can cause significant health issues, especially affecting the nervous system.

In contrast to other methods listed, chelation specifically targets metals in the bloodstream, making it the most effective treatment for lead toxicity. Oxygen therapy is generally used for respiratory issues, blood transfusions are used to treat anemia or severe blood loss, and dialysis is a method for removing waste products from the blood, primarily used in cases of kidney failure, but does not specifically target lead removal.