TMPPM 2007 >43.3.4.5 Lead Screening and Testing

43.3.4.5 Lead Screening and Testing

In accordance with current federal regulations, THSteps requires that clients be screened for lead poisoning through either blood tests and/or parent questionnaires at 6, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months of age and annually until 6 years of age.

Blood lead analyses are mandatory at 12 and 24 months of age for THSteps clients. At other THSteps medical check ups (6 months, 15 months, 18 months, 3, 4, 5, and 6 years of age), the Form Pb-110: Risk Assessment for Lead Exposure questionnaire may be administered to the parent or guardian. If (at any age) the parent answers "yes" or "I don't know" to any of the questions, a blood lead analysis is to be performed. Providers may download the Pb-110: Risk Assessment for Lead Exposure questionnaire questions provided in both English and Spanish at www.dshs.state.tx.us/lead/pdf_files/pb_110_parent_questionnaire.pdf.

Providers may obtain more information about the medical and environmental management of lead-poisoned children from the DSHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program by calling 1-800-588-1248 or visit the web page at www.dshs.state.tx.us/lead/default.shtm.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Specimens collected for total hemoglobin and lead testing must be submitted in DSHS specified whole blood collection tubes (purple top) that contain K2EDTA. Specimens submitted for hemoglobin types testing must be collected on the DSHS Snap-Apart filter paper collection card provided by the DSHS laboratory. Specimen collected on filter paper should be dry before mailing. Mail specimens daily. Specimens can be mailed at ambient temperature.

A separate tube (red top tube) must be submitted for syphilis (RPR) and/or hyperlipidemia testing, and a gray top tube (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate) must be submitted for glucose testing regardless of any additional THSteps laboratory screening procedures being performed at the same time.

Due to changes in specimen collection, handling, and submission criteria recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) (Regulatory Agency), contact the DSHS laboratory for the most current specimen requirements at 1-888-963-7111, Ext. 7430.

Refer to: "Lead Screening" for more information on lead screening procedures and follow-up.