Medical Providers Information
Screening and Reporting Guidelines
A blood test is the preferred method for lead screening. There are two tests used to obtain blood lead specimens, capillary blood test or venous blood test. Finger stick capillary blood tests can be done as the initial screening. However, safety measures should be taken to reduce the risk of contamination. These measures include:
- Rinsing powder from the examination gloves
- Thoroughly washing patient's hands with soap and water, then drying before taking a sample
A venous blood test can be done as the initial screening as well. This method should always be used to confirm elevated blood lead test results when a capillary test was used as the initial screening.
For more information on screening, on lab submission, and on reporting guidelines, please contact the Georgia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (GCLPPP).
Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids
All children enrolled in Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids should be tested for lead poisoning and offered certain services based on the following schedule:
| Age | Lead Blood Test | Lead Risk Assessment Questionnaire | Anticipatory Guidance |
| 3 months | X | ||
| 6 months | X | ||
| 12 months | X | X | |
| 24 months | X | X - At Well-Child visits | |
| 36 - 72 months | X - If there's no record of previous test at 12 and 24 months | X - Complete yearly unless blood tested | X - When lead risk assessment questionnaire is given |