

Getting Your Child Tested
Should I get my child tested?
For the safety and wellbeing of all Calhoun County families, we recommend that any child who lives in or regularly visits a house built before 1978 should be tested. Here are the blood lead level testing requirements according to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH):
AT 1 YEAR AND 2 YEARS
Children enrolled in Medicaid
REQUIRED
AT 1 YEAR AND 2 YEARS
Children who live in high-risk areas
RECOMMENDED
BETWEEN 36 AND 72 MONTHS
Any child not previously tested
REQUIRED
AT 1 YEAR AND 2 YEARS
Children enrolled in Medicaid
REQUIRED
AT 1 YEAR AND 2 YEARS
Children who live in high-risk area
RECOMMENDED
BETWEEN 36 AND 72 MONTHS
Any child not previously tested
REQUIRED
The good news is — having your child tested is EASY.
There are two types of blood tests available. Hover over the pictures for information about each type.
A RAPID BLOOD TEST
is usually done by pricking the child’s finger and can be performed in either your doctor’s office or at the County Health Department. You should have results in less than 10 minutes. Most insurance programs cover this test at no cost to you.
A DIAGNOSTIC BLOOD TEST
is performed if the rapid blood test indicates an elevated level of lead in your child’s blood. This test is done with a needle and may be performed to verify the original results and determine your child’s blood lead level.

A RAPID BLOOD TEST — usually done by pricking the child’s finger — can be performed in either your doctor’s office or at the County Health Department. You should have the results in less than 10 minutes. Most insurance programs cover this test at no cost to you.

If this test indicates an elevated level of lead in your child’s blood, a DIAGNOSTIC BLOOD TEST (with a needle) may be performed to verify the original results and determine your child’s blood lead level.
APPLY NOW for lead remediation assistance to make your home as lead safe as possible.
APPLY NOW for lead remediation assistance to make your home as lead safe as possible.