Follow-up Testing Among Children in Flint, Michigan, 2010-2015

• In Event: 2261 - Current Issues in Health Policy

Abstract

This retrospective cohort study examines follow-up testing trends among Michigan Medicaid-enrolled children aged 6 years and younger with lead poisoning in Genesee County between 2010-2015. Findings illustrate that poor African American children residing in Flint, Michigan, are more likely to have lead poisoning and are less likely to receive follow up testing to confirm the initial blood lead result than similarly situated children in the county. Although CDC and State of Michigan lead poisoning prevention policies recommend that children with blood lead levels above 5 mg/dL receive confirmation or follow up testing, children with blood lead levels under 10 mg/dL are also less likely to receive follow up testing after an abnormal or elevated screening blood lead level. Since follow up testing after an elevated screening blood lead level is an important component of lead poisoning prevention, this research calls for closer attention to retesting trends in order to improve the utilization of follow-up procedures, especially among children who are disproportionately exposed to lead in their environment

Author

• Katrinell M. Davis, Florida State University