Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children and Pregnant Women

Release Date: December 2006

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This topic page summarizes the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on screening for lead levels in childhood and pregnancy.

Summary of Screening Recommendations / Supporting Documents

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Summary of Recommendations

Children

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that evidence is insufficient to recommend for or against routine screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children aged 1 to 5 who are at increased risk. (Go to Clinical Considerations for a discussion of risk.)
  Grade: I Statement.
• The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children aged 1 to 5 years who are at average risk.
  Grade: D Recommendation.

Pregnant Women

• The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic pregnant women.
  Grade: D Recommendation.

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Supporting Documents

Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children and Pregnant Women, December 2006
Recommendation Statement (PDF File, 140 KB; PDF Help)
Screening for Elevated Lead Levels in Childhood and Pregnancy: An Updated Summary of Evidence (PDF File, 1 MB; PDF Help)
Evidence Update (PDF File 230 KB; PDF Help)

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Current as of December 2006

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Internet Citation:

Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children and Pregnant Women, Topic Page. December 2006. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/uspslead.htm

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