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Trace Metals Unit - 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:

Mi Lead Safe (michigan.gov)

Methodology

The Trace Metals 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)  

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), complete the Requisition for Clinical Specimen Containers (DHHS-0568)

Orders may be submitted by mail, fax (517-335-9039) or by phone (517-335-9040)

Contact Us:

Comments or questions regarding submitted speicmens, ETOR, or to request reprints of results contact the DASH Unit at 517-335-8059.
Matthew Bashore, DASH Central Receiving Unit
BashoreM@michigan.gov

or

Adam Silverman, DASH Data Handling Unit
SilvermanA@michigan.gov

Comments or questions regarding test results or testing methods contact the Trace Metals Unit
Kelley Freed, Trace Metals Unit Manager
Phone: 517-335-8357
FreedK1@michigan.gov

or

Keri Fisher, Analytical Chemistry Section Manager
Phone: 517-335-9489
FisherK@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