Lead Testing
Lead testing is available at 2 clinics at the Cuyahoga County Board of
Health. Testing is done by finger stick. Free testing is available for children 5 years
old and younger on Medicaid, Healthy Start, or Healthy Families. The cost of the test is
currently $15.00.
Click here to view clinic locations and
schedule.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call 216-201-2041
Frequently Asked Questions about testing
How do I know if my child should be tested for lead?
Does your child:
• Have Medicaid including Healthy Family or Healthy Start Insurance?
• Live in a
high risk zip code?
• Live in or regularly visits a residential unit, child day-care facility, or school
built before 1950?
• Live in or regularly visits a residential unit built before 1978 with recent ongoing
or planned renovation/remodeling?
• Have a sibling or playmate that has or did have lead poisoning?
• Frequently comes in contact with an adult who has a lead-related hobby or occupation
(including painters, mechanics, fishermen, or hunters)?
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, your child should be tested for
lead.
When should children at risk of lead poisoning be tested?
• Children should be tested for lead at least at ages 1 AND 2.
• Children may need to be tested every year until age 6.
• Children with special needs can still be at risk of lead poisoning beyond age 6;
especially those who put things into their mouths or have pica (eat non-foods items).
• Discuss with your child’s healthcare provider how often your child should be
tested.
How is lead testing done?
• By a blood test; either a blood draw (venous) or finger stick
(capillary). Our clinics offer finger stick testing.
What does the test results mean?
• A lead level of 10 or greater is lead poisoning.
• Children with lead levels 10 or greater should be lead tested at least every 2 months.
• Evidence shows that damage from lead can start as low as 5.
• For children with lead levels between 5-9, discuss with your child’s healthcare
provider when he/she should be tested again.
What else should I know?
• Keeping lead levels as low as possible is best.
• Learn about lead and limit your child’s access to sources of lead.
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