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1. How should the skin be cleaned prior to collecting capillary blood lead samples?

A venous blood lead test is recommended because capillary blood lead tests can be
falsely elevated due to contamination by lead from the skin surface. To minimize contamination by lead from the skin surface, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following the steps below for a capillary blood lead test.

1. Select examination gloves. Use non-powdered gloves because some forms of talc used to powder gloves may have lead contamination.
2. Wash the child’s hands thoroughly with soap and water, and then dry them with a clean, low-lint towel. Plain, unprinted, non-recycled towels are best.
3. Grasp the finger that has been selected for puncture between your thumb and index finger with the palm of the child’s hand facing up.
4. If not done during washing, massage the fleshy portion of the finger gently.
5. Clean the ball or pad of the finger to be punctured with an alcohol swab. Dry the fingertip using sterile gauze or a cotton ball.

2. What type of sample, venous or capillary, is necessary to confirm an elevated blood lead level?

If the first sample is a venous and the lead concentration measures greater than or equal to 5 micrograms per deciliter of blood, there is no need to re-test the blood. This indicates a confirmed elevated blood lead level. If the first sample is a capillary, and it is greater than or equal to 5 micrograms/ deciliter, it needs to be confirmed by following up with a venous sample or a second capillary sample collected between 1 day and less than 12 weeks after the first test.

3. Which children in colorado should be tested for lead?

For more information visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) Lead Screening Recommendations page.

4. How do I report an elevated blood lead level (EBLL) to Tri-County Health Department?

Contact Kayla Lesperance at (303) 363-3030. She will need to know the name of the child, date of birth, child's address, date of blood lead test, whether it was a venous or capillary sample, test result, and whether it was confirmed as being elevated. She will also need your name, clinic name, and clinic address. Feel free to leave this information on her confidential voice mail. Normally all blood lead test results are reported by the testing laboratory to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). CDPHE then reports blodd lead level's of 5 microgram/deciliter or greater to the respective local health department for follow-up.

5. How frequently should children with EBLLs be tested?

Please consult the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Childhood Blood Lead Retesting and Case Management Chart.

6. Does Tri-County have a standard Lead Exposure Risk Assessment Questionnaire to use to evaluate if a child is at risk of having an elevated blood lead level?

Yes, we do! Please use the Lead Exposure Risk Assessment Questionnaire for Children as well as its accompanying document, Lead Exposure Risk Assessment Explanations on Lead Sources.

7. What services does Tri-County provide for children with EBLLs?

When a child has a confirmed EBLL greater than or equal to 10 micrograms/deciliter, Tri-County Health Dept. Industrial Hygiene Program staff will schedule an onsite visit to identify lead sources in the home. Tri-County has trained staff to test paint, soil, and household objects for lead. We will provide both the parent and the physician with a report of our findings. These services are provided free of charge.