Capillary test

A capillary test uses blood from a finger-prick and is often used as the first step or screening test to determine if a child has lead in their blood. Capillary blood samples can produce higher results if lead on the skin is captured in the sample. For this reason, a capillary test that shows a blood lead level at or above the CDC’s blood lead reference value should be followed by a venous test to confirm that the level is elevated.

Trained nurses will provide an assessment of a child and their environment after receiving a referral of a blood lead result that is greater than 5 mg/dl. Several home visits may be needed to provide education to the families to ensure they have the support needed to decrease the high blood levels in their child(ren).

Who should get tested?

Michigan now requires blood lead testing of all young children at specified ages and with selected lead exposure risk factors. The requirements
include:

• It is the physician’s responsibility to test or order the test.
• Children must be tested at 12 months and 24 months of age or by 72 months of age (age 6) if there is no record of a previous test.
• Children must also be tested as follows:
  • At age 4 if they live in one of the 82 cities and townships designated by MDHHS as high risk. Visit Additional Blood Lead Testing for High-Risk Jurisdictions to view the complete list of areas.
  • At least once between their most recent test and age 72 months if they are at high risk because they live in a home:
    • Built before 1978 or
    • Where other children with elevated blood lead levels live.
  • Within three months of when a physician or parent determines that they are at high risk. Risk factors to consider are described at MDHHS Quick Reference Guide for Providers.
• Testing requirements do not apply if the parent/guardian objects to the test.