A blood lead test is the only way to find out if your child has a high lead level. Most children with high levels of lead in their blood have no symptoms. Although lead hazards in pre-1978 housing are the most common risk to young children, lead can be found in many products and places. Iowa requires all children to have had at least one test prior to entering kindergarten.
A child’s risk of exposure changes rapidly as they become more mobile. One test is not an indicator of future exposure or blood lead level. There are two types of blood lead tests used to see if your child has lead poisoning: capillary and venous. A capillary blood lead test is used as a screening tool to tell if your child has been exposed to lead in the past 3-4 months. A small amount of blood is taken from the capillaries close to the skin in your child’s arm, finger or heel to find out how much lead they have in their blood. If this level is high, a venous test is recommended since it’s more accurate than a capillary test.
In Iowa, legislation requires all children entering kindergarten have at least one blood lead level test. The goal of this legislation is to protect Iowa children under the age of 6 years from lead damage in their developing brains and nervous systems, and to reduce the number of children with developmental and learning problems related to lead exposure.
At a minimum, Iowa HHS recommends that all children in Iowa get a blood lead test at 1 and 2 years of age and tested annually up to 6 years in age based on their risk factors. Discuss with your provider when a blood lead test is necessary for your child.
Talk to your healthcare provider to request a blood lead test for your child. Some community agencies or the local health department may also offer lead testing as part of their services.
Most private insurers and public insurance plans, like Medicaid and Hawki cover the cost of a blood lead test. If you do not have a way to pay for the test, contact your local health department or Iowa HHS at (800) 972-2026.
Call your child’s medical provider and ask them to check if a blood lead test for your child is in the medical chart. If it is, request a copy of the blood lead test results and keep for your records like your child’s other immunization records. If your provider does not have a record of testing, schedule a date to have your child tested.
Iowa HHS grants two types of exemptions to those who meet the criteria for a Religious and Low Risk Exemption.
The religious exemption is for kindergartners whose parents/guardians believe a blood lead test conflicts with their genuine and sincere religious belief.
The low risk exemption is for kindergartners who meet certain criteria regarding, among others, place of residence, parents’/guardians’ occupation, child’s mouthing habits and travel outside of the U.S.
BEFORE you complete the Certificate of Religious Exemption or Very Low Risk, read the requirements for each of the exemptions and make sure your child meets such requirements. If he/she does not meet them, DO NOT APPLY to these exemptions.
