The diagnosis for lead paint poisoning is a simple procedure that amounts to a standard blood test. The blood test measures the amount of micrograms per deciliter of lead in the blood (mcg/dl)(ug/dl). Most doctors recommend that any child between the ages of 6 months to one year be tested for lead paint blood levels and children at any age that may have been exposed to high levels of lead paint. 

 

Once a doctor has the results of a lead toxicity test, he or she will be able to diagnose whether a child has lead paint poisoning. Many children will simply have elevated levels in the blood, which while potentially worrisome, will not be likely to have any physiological effect on the child. In fact, many people have elevated levels of lead in the blood. While a person should ideally have 0 mcg/dl in their blood, the average blood lead levels nationwide is 2.3 micrograms/deciliter.

 

If the child has 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood or more, he or she will be diagnosed with lead paint poisoning, meaning that the amount of lead in the blood could have immediate and long-term health consequences. The following are some general steps often taken by doctors and other professionals for their patients at different levels of lead poisoning.

 

 (10-14 mcg/dl) - At least 4 checkups for year by a physician with testing done at each visit

 

(15-19 mcg/dl) -  At this level the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control recommends a vigorous checkup of the house for any lead paint hazards and a full medical evaluation. A proper evaluation should include the identification of potential lead sources, testing for low blood iron levels, a rigorous physical examination, a speech test, identification of possible mouthing and pica behavior (tendency for children to put nonfood substances in their mouth), and a dietary evaluation to determine whether the child is consuming enough calcium and iron. If repeat tests on the child show that blood levels consistently remain between 15-19, the local health department should be contacted to perform an at home test of the paint, dust, soil, and other substances in the house. It is important to note that many municipalities will not intervene until the child’s blood lead level has reached 20 mcg/dl. Dietary and cleanliness measures will probably be highly recommended by the child’s doctor.

 

(20+ mcg/dl) Same measures except that oral Chelation therapy may be recommended.  Note: Chelation is usually reserved for those with 45+ micrograms/deciliter in the blood.

 

(45+ mcg/dl) If several tests confirm 45+, the doctor will probably recommend Chelation therapy.

 

(69+ mcg/dl) This is considered a medical emergency and the child will need immediate medical attention.