Before You Order Lead Testing for Your Patient

In this episode, we discuss lead toxicity and lead screening. We will talk about what lead is, what happens when a child is exposed to lead, what to ask parents about if you’re worried about lead exposure, how to screen for lead toxicity, and what to do if your patient has an elevated lead level.  Sources of lead exposure  Ingestion of contaminated food or water Ingestion or breathing in of lead dust Other sources: lead-acid batteries, ammunition, lead-based pigments and paints, stained glass, lead crystal glasses, ceramic glazes, jewelry, toys For families from other cultures, think about ceramic glazes, traditional cosmetics, traditional medicines Government policies to decrease lead exposure Unleaded gasoline Lead-free paint Lead-free solder in food cans Lead-free water pipes Why young children are at risk for lead toxicity Hand-to-mouth behavior Increased absorption of lead Developing nervous system is vulnerable Calcium or iron deficiency increase absorption of lead Effects of lead toxicity in children can be seen at levels as low as 3.5 µg/dL Growth and development delays Lower IQ Learning and behavior problems Hearing and speech problems School underperformance At higher levels, you may see Irritability Loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue Abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or constipation Anemia Pica Seizures, coma, death Universal lead screening at 1 and 2 years Screening questionnaires are not very sensitive or specific  Blood lead test  Capillary – get results quickly, but can be falsely elevated

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