Childhood Lead Poisoning Program
Screening & Referral
Per New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), children are to be screened for lead at age 1 year and again at age 2 years. The screening consists of a fingerstick and a few drops of blood.
Currently, if a result of the screening is 10 ug/dL (micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood) or over, Health Care Providers are to refer the child to their local health department and NJDOH Childhood Lead Poisoning Program. Once the local health department receives the referral, the public health nurse case manager contacts the parent and provides health guidance based on the screening result.
Monitoring Blood Lead Levels
The public health nurse case manager provides guidance and follow-up until the child has two consecutive venous blood lead levels below 10 ug/dL. This can take up to 5 years.
Welligent LeadTrax
Children in the State of New Jersey with elevated venous lead levels are followed on Welligent LeadTrax; a secure, confidential system. Public Health Nurses receive training from NJDOH on the use of LeadTrax. Only those with training can access the system.
Additional Information
Find more information about childhood lead poisoning on the New Jersey Department of Health website.