In-Office Blood Lead Testing

As of November 5, 2012, Maine law allows approved providers to perform in-office blood lead testing of children under age 6 years using a CLIA-waived, direct-read blood lead analyzer and to electronically report all test results to the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program. (Read the rules related to the law. )

• The intent of the law is to increase blood lead testing of children under age 6 years.
• Currently, the only CLIA-waived, in-office, direct-read blood lead testing device is the LeadCare II , made by Magellan Diagnostics.
• Providers must have approval from the Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program before they can begin in-office testing. The purpose of the approval is to ensure 1) that in-office blood lead testing will remove barriers to testing; and, 2) that providers using in-office testing will be able to have complete, timely, and electronic reporting of all test results directly to Maine Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
• All elevated blood lead levels still require a venous confirmation through the State Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory. See our Capillary Lead Test Confirmation Schedule for more information.
• For questions about the law, approval process, or data reporting requirements, contact: Dr. Maggie Bordeau, Public Health Physician, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program 207-592-2432 margaret.bordeau@maine.gov

  Get information about provider approval: criteria, application process, etc.

  Read about data reporting requirements for in-office blood lead testing.