MedicaidAdministrativeMedium impact
23-488m Filter Paper Testing for Lead in Children Discontinued by the CDC and CLPPB
Health Net·CA · Pediatrics, Family 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 and accuracy issues. Healthcare providers must immediately stop using filter paper tests and retest all children under 6 who previously had filter paper testing using approved alternative methods.
Action Required
Immediately: Stop using filter paper testing for blood lead screening in children. Clinical staff must identify all children under 6 who previously had filter paper lead tests and schedule retesting using FDA-approved Point of Care devices for capillary blood or laboratory analysis with ICP-MS/GFAAS for venous samples. Update clinical protocols to remove filter paper as a testing option. Failure to retest may result in missed lead poisoning cases.