Diagnosis
Your child's healthcare professional may recommend a blood test to check the blood lead level during a routine check-up. Generally, this testing happens at ages 1 and 2. Lead screening also might be recommended for older children who haven't been tested.
To test for lead, a small blood sample is taken from a finger prick or from a vein. Lead levels in the blood are measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
There is no safe blood level of lead. A level of 5 mcg/dL means a possibly unsafe blood lead level for children. Children with this blood level should be watched over time, having blood tests every so often to check for changes. If the blood lead level becomes too high, treatment is needed. A high blood level in children is generally 45 mcg/dL or higher.
Treatment
The first step in treating lead poisoning is to remove the source of the contamination. If you can't remove lead from your environment, you might be able to lower the chances that it will cause problems.
For instance, sometimes it's better to seal in rather than remove old lead paint. Check with your local health department to learn about ways to identify and reduce lead in your home and community.
If you or your child has a low lead level, avoiding exposure to lead might be enough to reduce blood lead levels.
Treating high blood lead levels
In cases where you have a high level of lead in the blood, your healthcare professional might recommend:
- Chelation therapy. In this treatment, a medicine given by mouth binds with the lead. The lead then passes out of the body in the urine. Chelation therapy might be needed for children with a blood level of 45 mcg/dL or greater and adults with high blood levels of lead or symptoms of lead poisoning.
- EDTA chelation therapy. Healthcare professionals treat adults with lead levels greater than 45 mcg/dL of blood and children who can't tolerate the drug used in conventional chelation therapy with a different type of chelation therapy. This therapy uses a chemical called calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or EDTA. EDTA chelation therapy is given by injection, also called a shot.
Preparing for your appointment
If you or your child might have been exposed to lead, see your health care provider or contact your local public health department. A blood test can check blood lead levels.
Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
What you can do
Make a list of:
- Symptoms or behavior changes you've noticed.
- Key personal information, including where you live and whether you or your child has been close to any sources of lead.
- All medicines, vitamins or supplements you or your child takes, including doses.
- Questions to ask your healthcare team.
For lead poisoning, basic questions to ask include:
- What's likely causing these symptoms?
- What tests are needed?
- Is this condition likely temporary or will it be ongoing?
- What's the best course of action?
- Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions as you think of them during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions, such as:
- Have you recently moved to a different home or changed schools?
- When was your house built? Are you renovating?
- Do you have a new job that might expose you to lead?
- Does your child have a sibling or playmate who has had lead poisoning?
