What does your child's Blood Lead Test mean?
Blood Lead Levels (µg/dL) and Recommended Action for Blood Lead Levels
0-3.4 Blood Lead Level
There are low amounts of lead in your child’s blood. Note: There is no safe blood lead level for children.
- Identify potential source of exposure and prevent further exposure.
- Ensure child is eating diet with iron and calcium.
3.5-19 Blood Lead Level
There are high amounts of lead in your child’s blood.
- Your doctor should discuss your child’s diet and nutrition to ensure they are getting enough iron and calcium.
- Identify sources of exposure and prevent further exposure.
- Your child should receive a follow-up test in 1 to 3 months.
- If there are other children in the home, ensure they get a blood lead test as well.
20-44 Blood Lead Level
There are very high amounts of lead in your child’s blood.
- Follow the recommendations for BLL 3.5-19.
- Your child’s doctor should perform a complete physical exam to see if your child has any sign or symptoms of lead exposure.
- The local health department will visit your home to help find sources of lead.
- Your child should receive a follow-up test in 2 weeks to 1 month.
- If there are other children living in the home, ensure they get a blood lead test as well.
≥45 Blood Lead Level
There are dangerously high amounts of lead in your child’s blood.
- Follow the recommendations for BLL 20-44.
- Your child should receive a follow-up test as soon as possible.
- If your child has confusion, weakness, seizures, coma, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, take them to the hospital.
- A complete physical exam is needed, including a neurological exam.
- Your local health department will visit your home to help find sources of lead.
- If there are other children living in the home, ensure they get a blood lead test as soon as possible.