My 9 month old had his finger prick on Monday and yesterday they called regarding his results. It used to be 10 and under was fine and now that is 5 and under is fine ~ 0 is best. My sons came in at 12. We have to get a blood draw to get a more accurate number. I truly feel that we have a bad number for him and my question is how common is it to get a bad number on a finger prick test?
I feel that it is a bad number because: Neither of my two older kids have issues and we live in the same house, he is 9 months old exculsively breast fed and only started solids this week, no lead paint, no lead pipes, no water intake, etc...
Thanks.
To clarify, because it made perfect sense to me, but looking back if you are not me it is confusing : )
My sons level is 12.
Normal for the CDC used to be 10, but is now 5. This is a fairly recent chance which is why I pointed it out. In case some people were perviously familiar, but not aware of the change.
The blood draw is the additional step we will be taking before anything else is done.
*** FINAL UPDATE***
It was a bad test :) His levels were at 1.4 when we had him retested with a blood drawl from the arm. We are very relieved.
The next reading will probably come back just fine. In the meantime, try not to worry.
If it comes back high a second time, you need to have your levels checked out yourself. It could be your exposure to lead causing high levels in baby.
There is also lead in toys. http://www.cdc.gov/features/leadintoys/
I don't know how uncommon the finger prick test but if he is high, I would get your other kids retested too.
Is your house old? Does he crawl on the floor at a babysitter/friend's that has an old house?
We lived in an 100 year old house when my first two children were born. I discovered lead paint in the home and had them both tested. They were both in the 5 range, so we moved.
Lead can be ingested through dirt outside the home if the exterior was painted with lead paint at any time, too. I know your son is probably too little to play outside yet, but if dirt comes in on people's shoes, etc. that could be an issue too.
Also, many toys manufactured overseas are unsafely painted with lead paint (there was a huge recall about 7 years ago). I know the CPSC has restrictions on what comes into our country, but they have admitted to not being able test everything because there are simply too many toys.
P.s. Both my older kids are very smart and doing well in school, so even if your son has a little lead in his system, I am sure he will be okay.
I urge you to talk with your doctor, stating your thinking. He will take all of that into consideration. He may order another test. Also know that there may be reasons other than exposure to lead that causes this number. Talking with your doctor will give you the best information.
I am confused. You said "now that it's 5 and under is fine" Then you say it's 12. "It used to be 10 and under." Are you saying that the criteria for what is acceptable has changed? If so, I suggest that is irrelavant. What his number is and the fact it's over 10 is what counts.
Why at 9 months?Were i'm from they do a lead level test via blood draw at 1 yr. not the finger prick test where was this done at?It could be an inacccurate reading that is why they want to do the blood draw do the blood draw to make sure it's at a normal level or higher or no concern at all.There is diet changes you can do for a child to absorb less lead.Go to the search on the CDC search lead or ask your Dr. for a diet recommendation.Lead is everywhere still you may have ti in your home and not even know it.Other common items are trinket toys not that a 9 month old would have them,jewerly
Hi Ali,
There are so many chemicals all around us. Our cell phones, lights computers, water even our shower heads and some toys have lead passing through even though lead was band many years ago we still have it. Everyone is different. Some are more sensitive then others.
I work with a panel of doctors that are sharing health and prevention in the home if you are interested in learning more on bringing wellness to your home email me and I will share with you.
Have a good day.
N. Marie
____@____.com
You may not have a "bad" but accurate number, because a prick to the finger tests the blood, the same as a blood draw will do. Of course it could be inaccurate, but don't discount it because you can't figure out why it would be so high.
Have YOU been tested? You could be the source, being exposed to lead unknowingly and passing it on. And do consider there is a possibility of him being exposed, to something as seemingly harmless as toys. Most of the toys with lead are manufactured in China, and one article I saw said 80% of the toys sold in the US are manufactured in China, so see where his toys were made. Toys are recalled as their dangers are made aware, but not all toys with lead have been recalled by any means. Look into the toys he plays with wherever he goes, especially any he puts in his mouth.
http://children.webmd.com/features/lead-in-toys-could-it-...
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/toys.htm
I hope your son's level is decreased with the next test.
http://www.phila.gov/health/FAQ/FAQ_LeadPoisPrev.html - Lead facts
