Patient education: Lead levels in children (The Basics)

What is a lead level? — 

This is a type of blood test to see how much lead is in the blood. Lead is a metal. It can be found in many things, including:

●Wall paint

●Dust from lead-painted surfaces

●Old toys, or toys made outside the US

●Pottery

●Soil

●Drinking water from lead pipes or a contaminated water source

When too much lead gets into the body, it is called "lead toxicity" or "lead poisoning." This is a serious medical problem that mostly affects children. Lead poisoning can cause permanent learning and memory problems.

Why might my child get a lead level? — 

The doctor might order this test:

●To screen for lead poisoning if your child might be exposed to lead

●If your child is having symptoms of lead poisoning

●To decide if your child needs treatment for lead poisoning

●To check if treatment for lead poisoning is working

How is the test done? — 

The staff might be able to prick your child's finger to get a blood sample.

In some cases, your child might need to get a "blood draw" instead. This is more accurate than a fingerstick, and might be done after a fingerstick if the results showed high lead levels. Your doctor or nurse will tell you where to go for a blood draw.

For a blood draw, a needle is used to take a small amount of blood from your child's arm (figure 1). Collecting the blood only takes a few minutes. The blood is then tested in a lab.

Tell the person who takes your child's blood:

●If your child has a latex allergy – Some of the supplies used for blood draws might contain latex.

●If your child takes "blood thinner" medicines or has a bleeding problem – They will make sure your child's bleeding is under control before you leave.

Most of the time, getting blood taken does not cause problems. Your child might have a little soreness or bruising where the needle went in.

What do the results mean? — 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to expect the results, and will contact you with the results. Or if you use an online "patient portal," you might get an alert there when the results are ready.

If your child's lead level is high, the doctor or nurse will talk to you about what to do next. They might need to do more tests to figure out the cause.

If your child does have a health problem, their doctor will work with you to come up with a treatment plan.

More on this topic

Patient education: Lead levels in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Lead poisoning (The Basics)