Lead can be harmful to a child’s growing brain and body. It is most dangerous for children under 6 years old, especially those younger than 3. Since most children with lead in their system do not look or act sick, a simple blood lead test is the only way to know for sure.

Children should be tested at ages 12 and 24 months, or at least once by 6 years old. Ask their doctor about a blood lead test at their next visit.

On this page, you can learn about:

• Where lead can be found.
• How to ask for a blood lead test.
• Where to go for a blood lead test.
• What you can expect after the test.
• How to stay connected.

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Where Lead Can Be Found

     

Lead can be found in paint, soil, and water in and around older homes. It can also be brought home from someone whose job or hobby involves lead. Some products containing lead are not covered by federal regulations, meaning lead can still be present in everyday items like imported cookware, toys, cosmetics, or cultural items.

Click the buttons below to learn more about where lead can be found and how to prevent exposure. 

Ask for a Blood Lead Test

A blood lead test measures the amount of lead in your child’s blood. It helps identify lead poisoning and monitor treatment progress. Your child does not need to do anything special to prepare for this test–just make sure to tell your doctor about any medicines your child is taking.

Lead testing is safe and can make a big difference. Two types of tests are used: 

• Capillary (finger or heel prick): Commonly used for initial screening and provides quick results. 
• Venous (drawn from a vein): Most accurate and used to confirm elevated capillary results, but can take up to a few days for a result. 

You can ask your child’s doctor for a lead test at any routine visit. If your child is under 6 and has not been tested yet, now is a great time to bring it up. 

Find a Doctor Near You

Lead testing is covered for children in Medicaid and Nevada Check up, and may also be covered by most private or employer-based insurance plans. Availability can vary, so we encourage families to contact clinics directly to confirm services. You can call your regular doctor to ask about lead testing, or if you don’t have one, you can explore the links below to find a doctor near you.

• Nevada 211
• First 5 Nevada
• Nevada Primary Care Association
• Health Resources and Services Administration

NvCLPPP Partner Clinics

NvCLPPP partners with clinics across Nevada to offer on-site, point-of-care capillary testing with a Lead Care II analyzer. Testing may also be available at the clinics listed below. Please contact the clinic directly to confirm eligibility and testing availability. 

After Your Child’s Lead Test

Your child will most likely be able to go home and return to their normal activities right away. Once you are notified of the results, your child’s doctor will discuss the results with you and recommend any steps.

A blood lead level (BLL) of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or higher may indicate the need for additional testing or follow-up care. If your child’s test shows an elevated BLL, your doctor may refer your family to services that can help identify and reduce sources of exposure.

Our After the Lead Test pamphlet offers simple steps to take after receiving your child’s lead test results. Download the pamphlet in English or Spanish below.

Stay Connected with NvCLPPP 

No amount of lead is safe. Staying informed and connected helps protect your family from exposure. Together, we can help every child in Nevada grow up lead-free. 

• Recent Recalls – View the latest lead-related product recalls and alerts. 
• Newsletter Sign-Up – Receive timely announcements and recalls from NvCLPPP.
• Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram – Stay connected for new updates via social media.