Lead Poisoning Screening and Testing

MO HealthNet Health and Wellness Program wants to help your child grow up healthy and happy. These services include lead poisoning screening and testing.

What is lead?
Lead is a metal that is very dangerous to a child. Lead may be found in dirt and in certain types of paint.

What is lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning happens when a child takes too much lead into his or her body. This may happen if the child eats paint chips that contain lead. It may also happen if the child plays in dirt that contains lead and doesn’t wash his or her hands.

What can I do?
Keep your child away from chipping paint. Wash your child’s hands and toys often. Make sure your child’s diet is rich in calcium, iron, and protein. You can find these nutrients in milk, cheese, yogurt, raisins, and meat.

What can my child’s provider do?
Your child’s provider should ask questions about your child’s exposure to lead at well-child screen checkup from six months through six years. This is called a lead screening. A lead screening helps your child’s provider know if your child is at risk for lead poisoning. The provider may also order a lead test. This is a quick finger prick that will check the level of lead in your child’s blood. This is often done right in the provider’s office. All children should get a lead test at their 1-year and 2-year well-child checkup. Children who live in or visit certain high-risk counties should get a lead test every year through age six.

For more information about lead poisoning, visit the Department of Health and Senior Services Website.