A point-of-care success story
In 2004, as part of an ambitious program comprising legislation and a statewide lead-awareness campaign designed to eliminate lead poisoning in Michigan's children, the lead-poisoning-prevention program of one county health department took bold action. It moved all lead testing from its central laboratory, and placed LeadCare analyzers in its eight WIC (women, infants, and children) clinics. The reason: more than 40 percent of all babies born in the county receive WIC benefits, and each month, the WIC clinic serves more than 18,000 moms, babies, and kids under the age of five. Simply put, a WIC clinic is the ideal place to reach the at-risk population. The clear winners of this initiative are the families; the results of the WIC program prove that this approach works.
According to program leaders, they expected the positive feedback they received from parents and staff because LeadCare allows them to use finger-stick samples and gives parents real-time results. What they didn't anticipate, however, was just how effective it would be as an educational tool. They use the visit, including the three minutes that it takes to run the test, to talk to the parent about the dangers of lead exposure and what the family can do to minimize the risk. They provided the same educational information before, when they sent samples out to the central lab. But there's nothing quite as powerful as looking at the screen together and seeing the results pop up right then and there. Parents understand the importance, take action, and are more vigilant about following recommendations. Since the county implemented the point-of-care testing, the number of children with elevated blood-lead levels that are no-shows for follow-up care has dropped by 50 percent. |
- Most important, waived blood-lead testing not only solves the problem of poor screening rates - the consolidation of testing, results, and education into one visit means more children can be reached, screened, and treated as necessary - it provides healthcare professionals and parents with the information they need to focus their attention on the children truly at risk. Studies show that this approach is the most-effective way to stem the adverse effects of lead exposure and prevent permanent damage. A waived test educates and empowers the people who can make a difference.
- No more compromises!
- Lead testing used to be a compromise, with tough choices for physicians and public-health professionals:
- Do I collect blood samples and send them out for analysis - or send patients directly to a lab, knowing that patient compliance will be very low?
- Do I collect a capillary sample (easier on patient, but requires another visit for a venous sample to confirm if high) - or do I go ahead and do venous samples for all?
- Do I get the laboratory accreditation necessary to do lead testing on-site - or do I send samples out, adding days or even weeks to the test cycle?
Now, the choice is easy: with CLIA-waived LeadCare II, there's no compromise required. Test, educate, and intervene if required - instantly, on the spot, and all in one visit.
References
- "Death of a Child After Ingestion of a Metallic Charm - Minnesota, 2006" MMWR.
- Centers for Disease Control Web site: Lead Program Frequently Asked Questions.
- "Preventing Lead Poisoning in Children: A Statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention." August 2005.
- "Environmental Pollutants and Disease in American Children: Estimates of Morbidity, Mortality, and Costs for Lead Poisoning, Asthma, Cancer, and Developmental Disabilities." Landrigan PJ et al. Environmental Health Perspectives. July 2002; 110: 721-728.
- "Childhood Exposure to Lead: A Common Cause of School Failure." Needleman HL. Phi Delta Kappan. September 1992.
- "In the Air That They Breathe. Lead Poisoning Remains a Major Health Hazard for America's Children." US News and World Report, December 20, 2000.
- "Cognitive Deficits Associated with Blood Lead Concentrations <10 µg/dL in U.S. Children and Adolescents." Lanphear BP et al. Public Health Reports. November/December 2000; 115: 521-529.
- Centers for Disease Control Web site: Lead Program Frequently Asked Questions.
- "Death of a Child After Ingestion of a Metallic Charm - Minnesota, 2006" MMWR Dispatch. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 23, 2006.
- "Children of Construction Workers at Increased Risk for Lead Poisoning." NIOSH. December 2, 1998.
|
