Reporting Blood Lead Levels

Under the state notifiable conditions rule (WAC 246-101) all blood lead test results (regardless of the value) must be reported to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) by the lab that analyzed the blood sample. Facilities using LeadCare point-of-care devices are the lab under this standing medical order.

DOH is responsible for collecting and uploading lead test results into the state database so that data is available to the local health jurisdictions.

Blood lead case investigations are within the jurisdiction of the county where the child resides. DOH is available to provide support to local public health staff in investigating cases where the blood lead level is at or above the reference value of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter.

• As of January 1, 2023, it's also required to report the patient's ethnicity, race, preferred language and Medicaid number. For more information on this change, visit Supplemental guidance to Electronic Laboratory Reporting submitters | Washington State Department of Health.

Blood Lead Reporting (Washington State Department of Health)

• All blood lead levels 5 µg/dL or higher in youths and adults must be reported within two days.
• All other test results must be reported within one month.

CDC Updates Childhood Blood Lead Level Reference Value (PDF) - CDC’s recommendation doesn’t change the current guidelines for Washington.