The Pennsylvania Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program now requires all children receive at least 2 blood lead screenings. These tests are done regardless of the child’s risk factors. The tests should be done at the 9-month exam and again during the 24-month visit.
These screening tests will not cost our members anything! You can schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to have his or her blood levels checked. If you don’t have a pediatrician, you can find one close to you through our find a doctor tool.
Lead is a toxic metal used in a variety of products and materials found in your home, including: Paint and/or dust in older homes, soil that contains traces of lead, water that runs through lead pipes, some toys and jewelry, some makeup products, and certain jobs and hobbies can involve working with lead-based products and may cause parents to bring lead into the home.
Exposure to lead can seriously harm a child's health. Exposure to lead can cause:
These health problems can impact children long term. These health problems can cause:
Children under the age of 6 are most at risk because they are growing so rapidly. Younger children tend to put their hands and other objects in their mouth which can be contaminated with lead dust. Lead dust can be invisible to the naked eye.
The good news: Lead poisoning is 100% preventable!
Most children with elevated lead levels have no symptoms.
That is why testing is so important! Talk with your child’s doctor about a simple blood lead test. Testing is the only way to know if your child has elevated blood lead levels. This test may be completed by a simple finger stick blood test. If the finger stick shows that your child has high lead in their blood, then your child will be referred for a blood draw.
Your child should be tested:
This test can be completed as part of their regular well child visits to your child’s doctor at these ages. Testing is the only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead.
You can still get a lead test done.
Two lead tests should be completed by the age of 2. However, children can be tested even after the age of 2. Children under the age of 6 are at risk.
If a child is not tested at their 2-year visit, the child should be tested as soon as possible after their 2-year visit, but before they turn 6 or enter into Kindergarten (in Allegheny County), whichever is sooner.
A lead test can be conducted in 2 different ways.
Capillary (ka · puh · leh · ree) blood sample testing – A small lancet (needle) is used to puncture the skin. This can be done on the foot or the finger. A small amount of blood will be collected in a tube.
Venous (vee · nuhs) blood sample testing – A needle is used to collect blood into an attached tube from a vein in the arm. This is the most accurate way to measure lead levels in the blood.
Care Navigators from Highmark Wholecare may reach out to you to assist with coordinating follow up care after a positive lead test once we receive your child’s lead test result. If you are concerned about your child’s lead test result and we have not reached out to you yet, please feel free to contact the Care Navigator Team in the Special Needs Unit at 1-800-392-1147 TTY 711.
Depending on your child’s lead level, your physician may recommend an Environmental Lead Investigation. An Environmental Lead Investigation includes an investigation of your home including all painted surfaces, water samples, dust samples, and bare soil samples.
Highmark Wholecare will cover one Environmental Lead Investigation per household per address.
We always encourage honest conversations with your child’s doctor regarding your concerns.
If you have questions regarding:
Please contact the Highmark Wholecare Care Navigator Team in the Special Needs Unit for assistance at 1-800-392-1147 TTY 711.
