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Blood Lead Testing
Information on Testing and Screening Children for Elevated Levels of Blood Lead
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that oversees the Medicaid program, requires blood lead screening for all Medicaid enrolled children at 12 and 24 months of age, and for any child 36-72 months of age who has no record of prior screening. Screening for elevated blood lead is necessary to confirm exposure because the symptoms of lead poisoning are often difficult or impossible to recognize.
Information for Provider on interpretation of result go to:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lead/ProviderQuickReference_Sept2015_501803_7.pdf
For general information about lead and lead hazard go to:
Methodology
The Clinical Inorganic Unit performs blood lead analysis on two types of submitted specimens: capillary and venous specimens. These specimens are obtained via a finger stick or venipuncture and are analyzed using ICP-MS.
Specimen Collection Instructions, Forms and Examples:
Collection Procedures For Capillary and Venous Blood Lead Specimens
Blood Lead Test Requisition Form with instructions- DHHS-0696 (editable form)
Video: Lead Specimen Collection Using Microtainers
Microtainer Specimen Collection Tips and Tricks
Labeling of capillary specimen tubes (see images below):
Order Supplies:
To order blood lead specimen collection kits (unit number 7), visit the Bureau of Laboratory Kit Order Tracking System (LKOTS).
Contact Us:
For comments or questions regarding submitted specimens, ETOR, or to request reprints of results, contact the Data and Specimen Handling (DASH) Unit at 517-335-8059.
Matthew Bashore, DASH Central Receiving Unit Manager
BashoreM@michigan.gov
or
Adam Silverman, DASH Data Handling Unit Manager
SilvermanA@michigan.gov
For comments or questions regarding test results or testing methods, contact the Clinical Inorganic Unit.
Sarah Lockwood-O'Brien, Clinical Inorganic Unit Manager
Phone: 517-335-0168
LockwoodOBrienS@michigan.gov
or
Jess Pruett, Clinical Chemistry Section Manager
Phone: 517-335-5433
PruettJ@michigan.gov
Related Information:
MDHHS BOL CAP Accreditation Certificate
Electronic Test Ordering Results Delivery (ETOR) Manual
Lead Hazard Remediation Program & Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
Letter for Change in Guidelines Regarding Blood Lead Levels