The California State Department of Public Health’s (CDPH’s) Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch has released updated guidance for medical providers. In summary:
- Test all children at one and two years old – and test children older than two who have never been tested.
- The lead test must be venous.
- Children who test positive for elevated blood lead level (BLL) need treatment: see instructions.
Learn more about CDPH’s childhood blood lead screening guidelines.
Screening other patient populations
- For recently arrived refugees six months to six years old, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers this lead screening guidance:
- Test for BLL within 90 days of arrival to the US (and preferably within 30 days).
- Conduct a follow-up lead test within three to six months post-resettlement, regardless of initial BLL screening results.
- For patients who are pregnant, CDC guidelines recommend conducting a blood lead test when there has been potential lead exposure. Also explain the importance of avoiding lead exposure during pregnancy due to the dangers, which include:
- Increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth and low birth weight.
- Harm to the baby’s brain, kidneys and nervous system.
- Childhood learning and/or behavior problems.
Review our clinical guidelines for pediatric blood lead screening information.