Lead & Hemoglobin

What are lead and hemoglobin tests?

Lead and hemoglobin tests are simple blood screenings that help your child’s pediatrician identify potential health concerns that may not cause noticeable symptoms.

A lead test measures the amount of lead in your child’s blood. Lead exposure can affect the brain and nervous system, interfering with healthy growth and development, particularly in young children.

A hemoglobin test measures hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low hemoglobin levels can be a sign of anemia or another blood-related condition.

Garland Pediatric Practice routinely performs these screenings at 12 months and again at 2 years old, when identifying potential concerns early is especially important.

Why does my child need lead testing?

Children can be exposed to lead without parents realizing it. Potential sources of lead include:

• Lead-based paint in homes built before 1978
• Older water pipes and plumbing
• Certain toys, jewelry, candies, and home remedies
• Soil contaminated by lead
• Lead brought home on clothing or equipment from a parent’s workplace
• Environmental exposure in areas near airports where leaded aviation fuel is used

Even low levels of lead exposure can be harmful to children. Lead can affect brain and nervous system development and may contribute to learning, behavioral, hearing, speech, and developmental problems.

Because children with lead exposure typically don’t have immediate or obvious symptoms, blood testing is an important way to identify exposure and determine whether further evaluation or steps to reduce exposure are necessary.

Why does my child need a hemoglobin test?

Hemoglobin is an essential component of red blood cells. Testing your child’s hemoglobin level helps the team at Garland Pediatric Practice screen for anemia and identify clues that may point to other blood-related conditions.

Children with anemia may not have noticeable symptoms, particularly when it’s mild. Detecting low hemoglobin early allows your child’s pediatrician to determine whether additional testing, dietary changes, supplementation, or other treatment may be appropriate.

What happens during lead and hemoglobin testing?

Lead and hemoglobin screenings are quick and convenient. The Garland Pediatric Practice team collects a small blood sample with a finger prick, and both tests are performed right in the office.

Results are typically available within about five minutes, so your provider can review them with you during the same visit. They explain what the results mean, answer your questions, and discuss any recommended next steps before you head home.

To learn more about lead and hemoglobin screening for your child, call Garland Pediatric Practice or schedule an appointment online today.