The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Blood Lead Testing
Blood Lead Testing
New requirements for blood lead testing of young children: By law, Michigan now requires blood lead testing for all children at 12 months and 24 months of age and at other intervals based on exposure risk. This approach is commonly called “universal blood lead testing”. It is the physician’s responsibility to test or order the test.
The law updates the Public Health Code, adding MCL 333.5474d and amending MCL 333 9206(1). Administrative rules (R 330.301-304) for implementation of the law were made official on April 30, 2025.
For more information go to:
- Questions and answers for the public and parents/guardians about universal blood lead testing
- Questions and answers for physicians about universal blood lead testing
What is a blood lead test?
A blood lead test is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood. During a blood lead test, a small amount of blood is taken from the finger or arm and is tested for lead. There are two types of blood lead tests:
- A capillary (finger poke).
- A venous (blood draw).
Capillary test
A capillary test uses blood from a finger-prick and is often used as the first step or screening test to determine if a child has lead in their blood. Capillary blood samples can produce higher results if lead on the skin is captured in the sample. For this reason, a capillary test that shows a blood lead level at or above the CDC's blood lead reference value should be followed by a venous test to confirm that the level is elevated.
Venous test
A venous test uses blood from a vein in a person's arm. It is the most accurate of the two tests. This type of test can take a few days to provide results.
Elevated blood lead level
An elevated blood lead level is defined by the "blood lead reference value (BLRV)". The BLRV identifies children with blood lead levels that are higher than most children's levels, based on data from a national survey. The federal BLRV is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter.
Why is blood lead testing important?
Lead is an invisible threat that is found throughout our environment. A blood lead test can tell you if you or your loved ones have recent or ongoing exposures to lead. A blood lead test cannot tell you whether you or your loved ones had exposures in the past.
Blood lead testing is particularly important for young children and pregnant persons because exposure to lead early in life has been shown to cause problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and growth. Learn more about lead and health.
Lead exposure is preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with lead.
Who should get tested?
Michigan now requires blood lead testing of all young children at specified ages and with selected lead exposure risk factors. The requirements
include:
- It is the physician’s responsibility to test or order the test.
- Children must be tested at 12 months and 24 months of age or by 72 months of age (age 6) if there is no record of a previous test.
- Children must also be tested as follows:
- At age 4 if they live in one of the 82 cities and townships designated by MDHHS as high risk. Visit Additional Blood Lead Testing for High-Risk Jurisdictions to view the complete list of areas.
- At least once between their most recent test and age 72 months if they are at high risk because they live in a home:
- Built before 1978 or
- Where other children with elevated blood lead levels live.
- Within three months of when a physician or parent determines that they are at high risk. Risk factors to consider are described at MDHHS Quick Reference Guide for Providers.
- Testing requirements do not apply if the parent/guardian objects to the test.
What is an elevated blood lead level?
The amount of lead in blood is measured in micrograms per deciliter. A blood lead level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or greater is elevated. An elevated blood lead level is a level that is higher than most children's levels, based on data from a national survey.
What happens if the test result comes back elevated?
If a person has an elevated blood lead level, the goals are to:
- identify the source of lead
- stop the lead exposure, and
- determine any other tests or follow-up that might be needed.
Your local health department and your health care provider can connect you with resources to accomplish these goals.
For questions about blood lead testing, call the MDHHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 517-335-8885 or email them at MDHHS-CLPPP@michigan.gov.
Where can you get a blood lead test?
Talk to your health care provider about blood lead testing. If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact your local health department to discuss where to get a blood lead test in your community.
Michigan child blood lead testing data
To learn about blood lead testing data for your community, visit the MiTracking data.
If you need help navigating the data portal, here is a basics tutorial video.