NYS DOH Mandates New Lead Guidelines
September 20th, 2019 | ArchiveThe New York State Department of Health recently lowered the definition for elevated blood lead level (EBLL) from 10 mcg/dL to 5 mcg/dL. This new threshold for children with an elevated blood lead level takes effect on October 1, 2019.
What does this mean?
Any blood lead test that results in 5 mcg/dL or higher is considered elevated. Currently, Monroe County provides case management and completes home inspections for children with blood lead levels of 5 mcg/dL and higher as of August 1, 2019. Other counties are working toward the same protocol and are gearing up for more potential cases under the new definition.
What should you do?
Providers should follow up on all children with blood lead levels of 5 mcg/dL and higher. A nutritional and developmental assessment is strongly recommended.
For practices using Lead Care II for lead testing, any result that is 5 mcg/dL or higher should be followed up with a confirmatory venous lab test.
Contact Meagan Fournier-Boome with questions.
