Blood Lead Testing

Family Health nurses can help you to make sure that your child is developing like they should be!  Regular well child exams are an important part of your child's growth, too.  Public Health has many great resources available to help you make sure your child is on track! Contact Local Public Health for more information.

Capillary blood lead tests are done in conjunction with WIC clinics to identified children ages 9-30 months.

If a child is identified with a high lead level, staff will work with the family to identify and reduce the lead exposure through the high blood lead case management program.

Lead exposure is dangerous for young children
It is important to protect children and young people from lead exposure. Elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) in young children are linked with adverse health effects, including learning problems, behavioral problems, and even death if exposures are very high. Children less than 6 years of age living in homes built before 1978 are most at risk for lead exposure. Younger children are at greater risk because their bodies absorb lead more easily and their brains are still developing. If you live in an older home or are concerned your child might be exposed to lead, talk to your doctor about testing your child’s blood for lead.

Many houses built before 1978 have lead-based paint
Lead-based paint is a common source of lead exposure. Dust from lead paint can get in people’s homes from friction surfaces like windows and doors or from surfaces with chipping and peeling paint. People can be exposed to lead by accidentally eating lead dust, paint chips, or other materials contaminated with lead, or breathing lead dust from renovation or work. Young children frequently put their hands or objects which may be contaminated with lead dust into their mouths.

Take steps to prevent lead exposure
Lead-based paint is the most common source of lead exposure. Paint that is on friction surfaces like windows and doors or chipping, flaking, or peeling is the greatest risk for exposure to lead in homes built before 1978. Soil can be contaminated with lead from exterior paint on buildings or past use of leaded gasoline. Other sources of lead include: adult occupations or hobbies, renovation, exposure from outside the United States, traditional medications, religious powders or cosmetics, pottery and ceramics, spices or imported food products, antiques, toys, jewelry or amulets, car keys, or fishing sinkers. More information about different sources of lead is available at MDH Common Sources of Lead. 

Lead in water is not very common in Minnesota. Some homes or water sources can have higher lead levels and should be treated. Lead may get into drinking water when it passes through plumbing and distribution systems in the home that have lead in their parts. To prevent lead exposure, let your water run for 30-60 seconds before using it and use only cold water for drinking and making food or baby formula. If you are concerned about lead in your water, get it tested. More information is available at MDH Lead in Drinking Water.

Here are some things you can do to help reduce or prevent childhood lead exposure:

• Keep children and children’s furniture and cripbs away from chipping or peeling paint.
• Wash children’s hands, pacifiers, and toys often to remove dust.
• Regularly wet-wipe floors, window sills, and places where children play. Use a disposable cloth or paper towel to wet-wash floors and surfaces. Cleaning Up Lead Dust in Your Home has more detailed instructions about proper cleaning methods.
• Clean with a special vacuum that has a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) label on it. 
• Have children play on grass instead of bare dirt.
• Take off shoes when entering a home to avoid tracking in soil that may contain lead.
• If you work with lead in your job or hobby, such as painting, remodeling, auto repair, plumbing, construction, or metal and battery manufacturing or recycling, change clothes and shower before you go home. Wash your hands before eating, drinking, smoking, or touching your face or anyone else. 
• If your home was built before 1978 and you are doing painting, renovations, or repairs, make sure to use lead-safe work practices or hire someone with the right training and certifications. More information can be found at MDH Lead Poisoning Prevention Homeowner Information. 

For more information about preventing childhood lead exposure, including cleaning up lead in your home, see the MDH Lead & Healthy Homes Program's Lead Fact Sheets and Brochures.

• Childhood Blood Lead Screening Guidelines for Minnesota
• Blood Lead Screening Guidelines for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women in Minnesota
• Childhood Blood Lead Case Management Guidelines for Minnesota
• Childhood Blood Lead Clinical Treatment Guidelines for Minnesota

Locations in your county:

Clearwater Country Nursing Service in Bagley. Call 218-694-6581
Hubbard County-CHI St. Joseph’s Community Health in Park Rapids: Call 218-237-5464
Lake of the Woods County-CHI Lakewood Public Health in Baudette: Call 218- 634-1795