*Data for children aged 0-72 months **Results by either venous test or a 2nd capillary test. Starting January, 2024 a venous test much be done to confirm an initial capillary test.
Screening Steps
Capillary Sample of 3.5 µg/dL or Higher
Step One:
VenousConfirmatory TestConducted
Confirmatory testing can be performed same day.
Screening Test Result (ug/dL)
Time to Confirmatory Test
3.5 – 9
1 – 3 months
10 – 44
1 week – 1 month
45 – 59
48 hours
60 – 69
24 hours
≥ 70
Urgently, as an emergency test
Do you have a patient with a confirmed EBLL?
Step Two:
Parent/GuardianConsulted
Determine the child’s lead exposure source.
Discuss solutions for source removal, reduction, or avoidance.
The Risk Assessment Questionnaire (English / Spanish) may help pinpoint the lead source(s). As necessary, include questions about the child’s playthings.
Step Three:
Follow-UpTest Conducted
Some case providers may choose to repeat blood tests on all new patients with EBLLs within a month to ensure the BLL is not rising more quickly than anticipated.
Venous Blood Lead Level (ug/dL)
Early Follow-Up (first 2-4 tests after identification)
Late Follow-Up (after BLL begins to decline)
3.5 – 9
3 months
6 – 9 months
10 – 19
1 – 3 months
3 – 6 months
20 – 24
1 – 3 months
1 – 3 months
25 – 44
2 weeks – 1 month
1 month
≥ 45
As soon as possible
As soon as possible
Tennessee Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Guides for Lead Screening Guidelines and Recommended Actions for Children Based on Blood Lead Level Value
