Michigan Lead Safe Partnership (MLSP)

Michigan Lead Safe Partnership: Working to keep Michigan's kids safe through action and awareness.

Working to keep Michigan's kids safe through action and awareness.

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 Michigan DCH Statewide Lead Screening/Lead Testing Plan

from the Michigan Department of Community Health, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Project

 

Corresponding Documents (PDF, 1 page each)

Childhood Lead Poisoning High-Risk ZIP Code Areas in Michigan: Alcona County through Lenawee County
Childhood Lead Poisoning High-Risk ZIP Code Areas in Michigan: Livingston County through Wexford County

 
I. There are four criteria for testing a child for lead poisoning:

A. Medicaid--all Medicaid-enrolled children, regardless of place of residence in Michigan, must be tested. No exceptions or waivers exist. Authority: Health Care Financing Agency (HCFA), through their agent Medical Services Administration (MSA). MIChild-enrolled children should be tested if any risk factors exist (or at health care provider’s discretion).


B. Geography--all non-Medicaid children living within certain areas (see list of high risk ZIP codes above) should be tested.


C. Questionnaire--the parents or guardians of children not in one of the previous two categories should be asked specific questions to determine each child’s risk. If the answer is “Yes” or “Don’t know” to any of the questions, that child should be tested.


D. Provider’s discretion--if a child does not meet any of the above criteria, the health care provider always has the option of testing if he/she believes that it is warranted.

II. Specifics of each criterion:

A. Medicaid: Michigan’s Medical Services Administration states that a blood lead test is REQUIRED for any Medicaid-eligible child at 12 and 24 months, or between 36 and 72 months if not tested previously. A venous sample is considered confirmatory; an elevated capillary sample will require confirmation with a venous sample.


B. Geographical specifics for evaluating ZIP codes:


1. ZIP codes in Michigan where testing is recommended for all children: Any ZIP code with 12% or greater incidence of lead poisoning among children ages 12 to 36 months, in 2000.


Any ZIP code where a combination of percentage of pre-1950 housing, number of children under age six, and percentage of children under age six living in poverty ranks high.


Any ZIP code with 27% or greater pre-1950 housing.


2. ZIP codes are re-evaluated annually, based on the prevalence of
childhood poisoning in that ZIP code for the prior year, and the Screening/Testing Plan adjusted where appropriate.


C. Specifics of questionnaire (subject to change annually):


1. Does the child live in (or often visit) a house built before 1950 with peeling or chipping paint? This could include a day care, preschool, or home of a relative.


2. Does the child live in (or often visit) a house built before 1978 that has been remodeled within the last year?


3. Does the child have a brother or sister (or playmate) with lead poisoning?


4. Does the child live with an adult whose job or hobby involves lead? (See corresponding documents above)


5. Does the child’s family use any home remedies that may contain lead? (See corresponding documents above) 

 

 For more information about the MLSP, email us at: info@gettheleadout.org