Blood Lead testing

The Grand Traverse County Health Department provides health services to children who have elevated blood lead levels or are at risk of lead poisoning. Our Public Health Nurses are available to offer lead poisoning prevention information to families and the medical community through various outreach activities and training programs. We also offer free blood lead screenings for children enrolled in our Women, Infants, and Children program. Nurse case management services are available for children with confirmed elevated blood lead levels. These services include home visits to discuss ways to lower the child's blood lead level and assistance with the lead abatement application process. 

Lead: 

Lead is a metal that can be found in many places, including in chips of old paint, household dust, imported toys, and water contaminated by lead pipes. Lead is an invisible threat, and exposure to lead early in life has been shown to cause problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and growth. 

Preventing lead poisoning before it happens is the best way to keep your family safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests several actions you can take to reduce exposure to lead, such as: 

  • Keeping homes clean and dust-free.
  • Clean around painted areas where friction can generate dust, such as doors, windows, and drawers. Wipe these areas with a wet sponge or rag to remove paint chips or dust. 
  • Wash toys, pacifiers, and bottles.
  • Eating a diet high in Iron, Calcium, and Vitamin C.
  • Wash hands often with soap and warm water. 
  • For homes built before 1978, hire a certified lead professional for renovation and repair work. 
  • Before drinking or cooking, flush your home's pipes with running water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead.
  • Get your child tested, as it's the only way to know if a child has lead in their blood.
    • Michigan law requires Universal Blood Testing on all children at 12 and 24 months of age, or between two and six years of age, if not previously tested. Contact your primary care provider to discuss getting a blood test.

Resources: 

If you'd like to learn more or ask questions, call our team at 231-995-6111.