MedicaidCoverageMedium impact
23-489m Filter Paper Testing for Lead in Children Discontinued by the CDC and CLPPB
Health Net·CA · Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine·Provider News
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
The CDC and CLPPB have discontinued filter paper testing for childhood lead screening due to contamination issues and false results. Healthcare providers must immediately stop using filter paper tests and retest children based on their previous results using approved point-of-care devices or laboratory analysis.
Action Required
Immediately: Stop all filter paper testing for blood lead screening in children under 6. For children previously tested with filter paper results <3.5 mcg/dL, retest using FDA-approved Point of Care devices with capillary blood OR send capillary/venous blood to lab. For previous results ≥3.5 mcg/dL, retest using venous blood sent to reference lab with ICP-MS or GFAAS analysis. Update clinical protocols and staff training accordingly.