Testing Your Child

FAQ about Testing

At-Risk Zip Codes
Risk Assessment for Parents

The Coalition recommends that all children aged 0 to 6 years of age be tested each year. If you live in an at risk zip code in Maryland your child is required to be tested at age 1 and 2.  A map and listing of at risk zip codes can be found under the "related files section" along the right hand side of this page.  In addition, all children enrolled in Medicaid are required to be tested at age 1 and 2.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends testing every child at 12 months of age, and if resources allow, at 24 months. Screening should start at 6 months if the child is at risk of lead exposure (for example, if the child lives in an older home built before 1978 which has peeling or chipping paint). Decisions about further testing should be based on previous blood-lead test results and the child's risk of lead exposure. In some states, more frequent lead screening is required by law.

Blood testing can be done using three different methods:

• venous: collecting blood from a vein in a syringe
• capillector: collecting blood from a finger prick in a small tube
• paper filter: collecting 2 drops of blood from a finger prick on special paper

Ask your doctor or your local health department (MD Health Departments) to have your child tested. If a problem is detected early it can be halted before serious damage occurs.