Lead testing available for uninsured, underinsured

With all infants and children in Allegheny County now required to be tested for lead exposure, the county Health Department has announced free blood-level testing, starting Thursday for uninsured and underinsured children.

Testing will be done at the department’s Immunization Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon each Tuesday and noon to 4 p.m. each Thursday. The clinic is on the fourth floor of the Hartley Rose Building, 425 First Ave., Downtown, with patrons advised to enter the building from Cherry Way.

“To support the new universal lead screening regulation in Allegheny County, we are pleased to announce our new lead-testing services for uninsured and underinsured children,” stated Karen Hacker, Health Department director. “In Allegheny County, children can be exposed to lead from multiple sources including paint, dust, soil and water. Blood-lead testing is an important strategy to

identify children who have been exposed” so that health officials can intervene.

Testing will involve a “capillary screen” or what’s known as a “finger stick.” Parents or guardians should call the department at 412687-ACHD (2243) to find out if they qualify for these services.

Children with elevated test results will be referred to their primary care provider to have required blood drawn to confirm the results. This will occur at another location based on the child’s health care provider, if one exists. The Health Department also is making plans to provide lead testing later this year at its Women and Infant Children (WIC) offices in McKeesport and Wilkinsburg, with details forthcoming.

As of Jan. 1, all children in the county, unless otherwise exempted, must have their blood lead levels tested. Infants 9 to 12 months should be tested with a follow-up test at 24 months. They also are required to have been tested prior to kindergarten, although lack of such a test will not block enrollment.

The regulation is designed to boost early detection and treatment of lead poisoning with the goal of reducing the incidence, health impact and cost of the problem, while also enhancing countywide surveillance of childhood lead poisoning.

More information is available at the Health Department website [ http://www.achd.net/legal/pub/pdf/Article-XXIII-FAQ.pdf] with prevention methods available at this website [http://achd.net/lead/].