Screening
A blood test is the preferred method for lead screening. There are two tests used to obtain blood lead specimens, capillary blood test or venous blood test. Finger stick capillary blood tests can be done as the initial screening. However, safety measures should be taken to reduce the risk of contamination. These measures include:
- Rinsing powder from the examination gloves
- Thoroughly washing patient's hands with soap and water, then drying before taking a sample
A venous blood test can be done as the initial screening as well. This method should always be used to confirm elevated blood lead test results when a capillary test was used as the initial screening.
Lab Submission
The Albany State Laboratory provides free analysis of blood lead specimens for all Georgia children less than 72 months of age. The provider's office should contact the laboratory to use this service. GCLPPP does not recommend or endorse the use of another lab.
Albany Regional Public Health Laboratory
Albany Regional Health Laboratory
1109 N. Jackson Street
Albany, GA 31701
229-430-4122
Reporting Guidelines
Laboratories attempt to test each lead specimen on the day it arrives. The reports are mailed back to providers on the same day. All laboratory data is sent monthly in electronic or paper format to GCLPPP.
Providers should report the results of all screening and follow-up BLL tests to GCLPPP. Because data from laboratories often do not include demographic information, complete reports from providers' offices are very important. If reports are not complete, GCLPPP may contact providers' offices for missing information.
Results can be reported one of three ways.
- Notifiable Disease Card (form 3095)
An EBLL is a notifiable disease in Georgia and can be recorded on the 3095 Notifiable Disease Report form. To request forms call the state health department at (404) 657-2588.
- Lead Screening Report Form
The Lead Screening Report comes in a booklet of 28. This form was created by GCLPPP.
- State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (SENDSS)
SENDSS is a web-based reporting system designed to collect information about notifiable diseases in Georgia.
Notifiable disease cards and lead screening report forms should be placed in an envelope marked confidential. All report forms should be sent to GLCPPP at:
Georgia Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
2 Peachtree Street
Suite 14-487
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-463-3754
1-888-247-9054
