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Lead Free Kids, Lead Safe Housing Program

Information for Health Care Providers

** Please report all elevated blood lead levels to SLVHD at (801) 534-4607 **

Identification and Management of Childhood Lead Poisoning

Assess the Risk

  • Use a blood lead test to screen all children 1-6 who live in the Salt Lake County Target Area (see map).

map of county

  • Use a blood lead test to screen any children age 1-6 outside the target area who answer “yes” OR “don’t know” to either of the following questions:
    • During the past 6 months has the child lived in, or regularly visited, a home, childcare location, or other building built before 1960?
    • During the past 6 months has the child lived, in or regularly visited, a home, childcare location, or other building built before 1978 that has damage (such as peeling paint, water damage, holes in walls), repair, or remodeling?
  • Utah State Medicaid requires all Medicaid-enrolled children to have a blood lead test at 12 and 24 months of age. Children between 12 and 72 months must be tested if they have not previously been tested. This is a federally mandated component of the CHEC screening.

Follow up Schedule for Elevated Blood Levels

Blood Lead Level (BLL) Response
<10μg/dL Negative result. No intervention. No additional action necessary unless exposure sources change.
For all Elevated Blood Lead Levels
  • Report all lead levels >10 μg/dL to the Salt Lake Valley Health Department (SLVHD) at 534-4607.
  • SLVHD nurse case manager will conduct family lead education and environmental assessment for BLL 10 μg/dL and above.
  • The higher the blood lead level, the more expeditious and extensive the intervention.
10-14 μg/dL Venous retesting in 3 months; blood lead testing every 3 months until two consecutive BLL <10 μg/dL.
15-19 μg/dL
  • Venous retesting in 3 months; blood lead testing every 3 months until two consecutive BLL <10 μg/dL.
  • If BLLs persist (two follow up BLL in this range at least 3 months apart) or worsen, recommend environmental investigation.
20-44 μg/dL
  • Venous retesting within 1 week to 1 month. The higher the screening BLL, the more urgent the need for a timely diagnostic test.
  • Blood lead testing as indicated until BLL < 20 μg/dL for at least 6 months.
  • Perform history, physical exam and nutritional assessment.
    Evaluate iron status.
45-69 μg/dL
  • Same as 20-44 μg/dL.
  • In addition: Consider chelation therapy in consultation with clinicians experienced in lead toxicity treatment.
>70 μg/dL

HOSPITALIZE CHILD AND BEGIN MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY

  • Venous retesting within 24 hours of referral.
  • Perform history, physical exam and nutritional assessment.
  • Consider chelation therapy in consultation with clinicians experienced in lead toxicity treatment.
  • Blood lead testing as indicated until BLL < 20 μg/dL for at least 6 months.

Links

Lead Free Kids Risk Assessment Questionnaire (17 KB)

Blood Lead Testing Made Easy (58 KB)

AAP Lead Screening Policy