more acceptable to parents. In fact, as little as 50111 of whole blood is required for a reliable blood lead determination, although it is recommended that 100-2501al of blood be collected so that a repeat analysis can be performed. The key factors for successful capillary blood lead screening are: adequate skin puncture to maintain good blood flow; use of collection devices that have been pre-checked for lead contamination; and meticulous washing of the child's hand prior to f'mgerstick. The collection of capillary blood on filter papdr for lead testing is considered unacceptable because of a much higher risk of contamination after the blood has been collected, and the poor accuracy of the analysis. Positive capillary blood lead results should always be confirmed with venous blood before proceeding with any environmental interventions or medical management.
36 Childhood Blood Lead Screening: What Are the Pros and Cons? Peter A. Briss, MD Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Despite considerable progress in controlling lead exposure in the United States, 9 percent of American children have blood lead levels that pose a health concern. Screening children for elevated blood lead levels is one tool for reducing children's exposures to lead. This paper will discuss issues other than laboratory test performance that affect decisions on whether or not to perform blood lead screening. These issues include the adverse effects of lead exposure, the prevalence of elevated blood lead levels, the evidence that early detection of lead exposure results in health benefits for children, and the economic and non-economic costs and benefits of blood lead level screening.