BLOOD LEAD LEVELS

BLOOD LEAD LEVELS

WHAT THEY MEAN - WHAT TO DO

(Source: City of Detroit Health Department)

There are two methods which can be used to test a child for lead poisoning. Those methods are 1) capillary - finger stick, which allows a large number of children to be screened, and 2) venous draw - blood taken from the vein and is very accurate. The following chart informs you as to what to do when results are received from either method. The blood lead levels given are measured in micrograms per deciliter (one millionth of a gram).

Level
Finger-stick Method
Venous Blood Method

Less than 10
Re-screen in 1 year.

No additional action necessary unless exposure sources change.

Re-screen in 1 year.

No additional action necessary unless exposure sources change.

10 - 14 Your child needs a venous blood test within 1 month for confirmation. Talk with your Doctor.
Your child is lead poisoned. Ask for lead education services. Keep follow-up appointments.

HINTS: Remove and cover all known lead hazards in and around your home. Frequent hand washing, damp dusting and moping of floors will help to reduce lead dust. Increase iron, calcium and vitamin C foods to help your child fight lead poisoning.

15 - 19 Your child needs a venous blood test within 1 month. Talk with your Doctor.
Your child is lead poisoned. Ask for lead education literature. Keep follow-up appointments.

A visit from a Detroit Health Department Public Health Nurse (who will help you get the proper care for your child) can be expected.

HINTS: Remove and/or cover all known lead hazards in and around your home. Frequent damp dusting, mopping and hand washing will help reduce lead dust. Increase iron, calcium and vitamin C foods to help your child fight lead poisoning.

20 - 44 Your child needs a venous blood test within 1 week to 1 month. The higher the level the more urgent the need for a venous blood test. Talk with your Doctor immediately. Your child is lead poisoned. The Detroit Health Department Lead Poison Prevention and Control Program (LPPCP) will send an inspector to your home for a lead assessment. Your child needs a lead safe home. Your family must work closely with your health care provider and/or the Health Department. Your child will need more blood tests and medical care until the blood lead level is lowered. Read lead literature thoroughly.

45 and above Your child needs a venous blood test within 48 hours. A level above 60 should be retested in 24 hours. A level of 70 and above should be treated as a medical emergency. Talk with you Doctor immediately. Lead poisoning at this level is VERY SERIOUS. A blood lead level over 70 is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Your child needs a full medical checkup and possible medical treatment (chelation) NOW! Your child may have to stay in the hospital. Your family must work closely with LPPCP. LPPCP will assist you with a plan to protect your child. Your child must be removed from lead hazards. Your child needs a lead safe home to get well.

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Level	Finger-stick Method	Venous Blood Method
Less than 10	Re-screen in 1 year. No additional action necessary unless exposure sources change.	Re-screen in 1 year. No additional action necessary unless exposure sources change.
10 - 14	Your child needs a venous blood test within 1 month for confirmation. Talk with your Doctor.	Your child is lead poisoned. Ask for lead education services. Keep follow-up appointments. HINTS: Remove and cover all known lead hazards in and around your home. Frequent hand washing, damp dusting and moping of floors will help to reduce lead dust. Increase iron, calcium and vitamin C foods to help your child fight lead poisoning.
15 - 19	Your child needs a venous blood test within 1 month. Talk with your Doctor.	Your child is lead poisoned. Ask for lead education literature. Keep follow-up appointments. A visit from a Detroit Health Department Public Health Nurse (who will help you get the proper care for your child) can be expected. HINTS: Remove and/or cover all known lead hazards in and around your home. Frequent damp dusting, mopping and hand washing will help reduce lead dust. Increase iron, calcium and vitamin C foods to help your child fight lead poisoning.
20 - 44	Your child needs a venous blood test within 1 week to 1 month. The higher the level the more urgent the need for a venous blood test. Talk with your Doctor immediately.	Your child is lead poisoned. The Detroit Health Department Lead Poison Prevention and Control Program (LPPCP) will send an inspector to your home for a lead assessment. Your child needs a lead safe home. Your family must work closely with your health care provider and/or the Health Department. Your child will need more blood tests and medical care until the blood lead level is lowered. Read lead literature thoroughly.
45 and above	Your child needs a venous blood test within 48 hours. A level above 60 should be retested in 24 hours. A level of 70 and above should be treated as a medical emergency. Talk with you Doctor immediately.	Lead poisoning at this level is VERY SERIOUS. A blood lead level over 70 is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Your child needs a full medical checkup and possible medical treatment (chelation) NOW! Your child may have to stay in the hospital. Your family must work closely with LPPCP. LPPCP will assist you with a plan to protect your child. Your child must be removed from lead hazards. Your child needs a lead safe home to get well.