|
Other links
concerning Notifiable Conditions |
|
|
|
Posters |
|
|
|
Associated Programs |
|
|
|
|
|
Surveillance and Reporting Guidelines for
Blood Lead Level
|
back to
Blood Lead Level index page |
|
Disease
Reporting |
|
In Washington |
Laboratories have been required to report
all (elevated and non-elevated) blood lead levels for
Washington state residents to DOH since 1993 (children and
adults). The DOH Lead Surveillance Program tracks blood lead
tests for children up to age 15 years in the Childhood Blood
Lead Registry. Adult test results are forwarded to and tracked
by the L&I SHARP Program.
From May 1993 through
December 31, 2001, results of 34,449 tests were received on
32,477 children. |
|
Purpose of Reporting and
Surveillance |
- Assure follow-up of children with lead poisoning.
- Gather information needed to target screening efforts
effectively.
- Provide public and health care provider education.
- Maintain and enhance the childhood blood lead surveillance
registry.
|
|
Reporting Requirements - Elevated |
- Health care providers: no requirements for reporting
- Hospitals: no requirements for reporting
- Laboratories: notifiable within 2 days to DOH Lead Program
- Local health jurisdictions: educate laboratories regarding
reporting requirements to the State
|
|
Reporting Requirements - Non-elevated |
- Health care providers: no requirements for reporting
- Hospitals: no requirements for reporting
- Laboratories: notifiable within one month to DOH Lead
Program
- Local health jurisdictions: educate laboratories regarding
reporting requirements to the State
|
|
|
Case Definition for Surveillance |
|
The following
definitions apply to laboratory reporting of blood lead levels:
-
Blood lead level
means a measurement of lead content in whole blood.
-
Elevated blood lead
level means blood lead levels equal to or greater than 25
micrograms per deciliter for persons aged fifteen years or
older, or equal to or greater than 10 micrograms per deciliter
in children less than fifteen years of age.
-
Laboratory
means any facility licensed as a medical test site under
chapter 70.42 RCW.
|
|
|
A. Description |
|
1. Background |
Lead is a naturally occurring
element that is toxic to humans of all ages when ingested or
inhaled. Lead is particularly toxic to the brain and central
nervous system. Children under age six are most vulnerable to
the hazards of lead exposure because their nervous systems are
still developing. |
|
2. Identification |
The majority of children with
elevated blood lead levels do not look or act sick. The only
reliable way to tell if a child has an elevated blood lead level
is to have your family physician do a simple blood test. |
|
3.
Adverse
health effects in young children include: |
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
|
|
4.
Exposure
Sources |
The most prevalent environmental
lead exposure source is lead-based paint. Dust from
deteriorating lead-based paint in homes and in soil is another
source. In addition, sources identified include: traditional
folk remedies, some Mexican pottery, various imported candies,
possible take-home exposure from parent’s work or hobbies,
fallout from industrial and smelting operations, candles,
imported food tins, and lead or brass in plumbing fixtures or
pipes. |
|
5.
Case
Management |
Children with elevated blood
lead levels should receive case management that includes regular
retesting until the child’s blood lead level is below the level
of concern (10mg/dL), family lead education, home visitation and
environmental investigation, lead hazard control, and medical
chelation therapy if appropriate. |
|
|
More Information |
|
DOH Lead Surveillance Program
Hotline: 800-909-9898 (within Washington
State)
Telephone: 360-236-4252 (Reporting) |
|
|
