May 2005 Author in the Room® Teleconference
Author: Alex R. Kemper, MD, MPH, MS
Article: "Follow-up Testing Among Children with Elevated Screening Blood Lead Levels"
Summary Points:
- About half the children (six years and younger) with elevated blood lead levels did not receive follow-up testing.
- Non-white children, and those living in urban as well as high-risk lead settings, were less likely to receive follow-up testing compared to their counterparts.
- Follow-up testing for children with high blood lead levels is essential for managing lead poisoning and for maximizing cognitive development.
- Interventions are needed to overcome disparities in care.
