Lead Screening Update from the US Preventive Services Task Force

Cantor AG, Hendrickson R, Blazina I, Griffin J, Grusing S, McDonagh MS. Screening for Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Childhood and Pregnancy: Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA 2019;321:1510-26. What is the level of evidence for lead screening in asymptomatic children? Systematic review. Largely US communities. Children 1-5 years of age. Screening, testing, and treatment for elevated blood lead levels. Screening effectiveness, test accuracy, and benefits of screening and interventions. The Task Force concluded that questionnaires and other clinical prediction tools cannot accurately identify asymptomatic children with elevated lead levels. The Task Force also found inadequate evidence for the treatment of elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children. There is insufficient evidence to assess the utility of screening for elevated blood lead levels in asymptomatic children ("I" statement).