Updated blood lead reference value for children

Dec. 2021Important Notices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its blood lead reference value (BLRV) from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL in response to a recommendation by the Lead Exposure Prevention and Advisory Committee (LEPAC).

The BLRV aims to identify children with higher levels of lead in their blood compared to most children, based on the 97.5th percentile of the blood lead level (BLL) distribution in U.S. children ages 1 to 5 years.1 However, the CDC states that there is no safe BLL in children and that even low levels of lead in blood can affect learning and academic achievement and have permanent effects. It is critical for providers to partner with parents and caregivers to help prevent exposure and lower a child’s lead level, if necessary. To connect members with case management and for environmental lead investigation support, please contact the UPMC Pediatric Care Management Department. You can email a referral to pedscasemanagement@upmc.edu or call 1-866-778-6073 and select “pediatrics.”

Learn more
For more information about BLL in children, visit cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm. You can also view the UPMC Health Plan Lead Screening Provider Tip Sheet.

Source
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC updates blood lead reference value for children. Last reviewed Oct. 28, 2021. Accessed Nov. 2, 2021. cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1028-blood-lead.html


Recent Announcements

Voluntary nationwide recall: Sucralfate (Nostrum – July)

Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. is recalling all lots of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram. Sucralfate is used for the prevention and treatment of certain stomach ulcers.
Jul. 2025Pharmacy Updates

Receive consultations to better support the behavioral health needs of child and adolescent patients

The Telephonic Psychiatric Consultation Service Program (TiPS) is a Pennsylvania HealthChoices program that gives primary care providers access to free, on-demand consultations with child and adolescent psychiatrists, typically within 30 minutes. It is available to providers of children and adolescents who have Pennsylvania Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, or UPMC Health Plan commercial insurance.
Jul. 2025What's New

Voluntary nationwide recall: Sucralfate (Nostrum – July)

Nostrum Laboratories, Inc. is recalling all lots of Sucralfate Tablets USP 1 gram. Sucralfate is used for the prevention and treatment of certain stomach ulcers.
Jul. 2025Pharmacy Updates