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Blood Lead Testing

Photos of blood collection, two adults kissing a baby, and a rack of blood tubes

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:

Mi Lead Safe (michigan.gov)

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):

Correct Labeling of capillary specimen tubes     Incorrect labeling of capillary specimen tubes

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

Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services

CDC's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program