What Your Child's Capillary Blood Lead Level Means, October 14, 2019

(2019) What Your Child's Capillary Blood Lead Level Means, October 14, 2019. Public Health, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

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Abstract

Lead is highly toxic and can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, headaches and more. Children exposed to lead may not look sick, so it is important that kids – especially toddlers – get tested at least once a year before they turn six. YOUR CHILD’S CAPILLARY RESULTS a has a capillary blood lead level of micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) There are two types of blood lead tests used to see if your child has lead poisoning: capillary and venous. A capillary blood lead test is used as a screening tool to tell if your child has been exposed to lead in the past 3-4 months. A small amount of blood is taken from the capillaries close to the skin in your child’s arm, finger or heel to find out how much lead they have in their blood. If this level is high, a venous test is recommended since it’s more accurate than a capillary test.