This approval is based on demonstrated proficiency in periodic evaluations conducted by the Bureau of Laboratories of the Department of Health.
Lead poisoning is a reportable noncommunicable disease.
In addition, the Department requests laboratories to submit reports on children under 6 years of age and pregnant women, on whom laboratory tests confirm venous blood lead concentrations of 15 micrograms per deciliter or higher. The Department's collection and review of these latter reports would be consistent with the most recent revision of the guideline titled, Preventing Lead Poisoning in Young Children , which was published in 1991 by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and is available from them. All reports must be sent to the Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health, P.O. Box 90, Harrisburg, PA 17108. Report forms are available on request from the Division of Environmental Health. Erythrocyte protoporphyrin determinations may be performed as an adjunct determination to substantiate blood lead levels of 25 micrograms per deciliter or higher.