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Annual testing of children under 6 provides information on the number of children tested each year for lead levels in the blood. The data are used to better understand and interpret blood lead level (BLL) surveillance, compare testing and BLLs within and across counties, and monitor progress towards eliminating BLLs greater than the current BLRV of 3.5 mcg/dL.
Iowa requires all children to be tested at least once before the age of 6 because children may have elevated BLLs and not have any specific symptoms. Elevated blood lead levels in young children have been associated with adverse health effects ranging from learning impairment and behavioral problems to death.
The measures presented here focus on blood lead testing of children under six based on the year tested. Evaluating blood lead testing results contributes to the overall understanding of the impact and burden of lead poisoning in Iowa. These measures can also be helpful for healthcare providers and local public health agencies for program assessment and improvement.
Back to topChildren Tested Data Visualization
Iowa requires all children to be tested at least once before the age of six. Evaluating blood lead testing results on an annual basis contributes to the overall understanding of the impact and burden of lead poisoning in Iowa, and can also be helpful for healthcare providers and local public health agencies for program assessment and improvement.
Measure Description
- The Children Tested is the number of children under age six tested for blood lead level (BLL) during the year.
- The Children with Confirmed Elevated BLL is the number of children under age six tested for blood lead level (BLL) during the year and had a confirmed result greater than or equal to 10 mcg/dL.
- The Percent of Children with Confirmed Elevated BLL is the percent of children tested that had Confirmed Elevated BLL result.
Testing Coverage Data Visualization
Iowa requires all children to be tested for lead poisoning at least once before the age of six. In a single year, only a portion of children will be tested. The annual testing data can be helpful for healthcare providers and local public health agencies for program assessment and improvement; however, the Birth Cohort Children Under 6 is a better indicator of compliance with the testing requirement.
Measure Description
- The Children Tested is the number of children under age six tested for blood lead level (BLL) during the year.
- The Percent of Population Tested is the percent Children Tested among the age group specific population.
Ten Largest Cities Data Visualization
Counties are not homogeneous with respect to the distribution of lead hazards or risk factors for lead exposure. Evaluating data at a city level can help identify areas with a higher risk of lead exposure. The ten largest cities, based on the 2010 census population, in Iowa are featured.
Measure Description
- The Children Tested is the number of children under age six tested for blood lead level (BLL) during the year.
- The Children with Confirmed Elevated BLL is the number of children under age six tested for blood lead level (BLL) during the year and had a confirmed result greater than or equal to 10 mcg/dL.
- The Percent of Children with Confirmed Elevated BLL is the percent of children tested that had Confirmed Elevated BLL result.
Other Lead Poisoning Content
About the Annual Testing Data for Children Under 6
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