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Frequency of maternal blood lead follow-up testing during lactation to assess risk for infant lead exposure from maternal breast milk*

Frequency of maternal blood lead follow-up testing during lactation to assess risk for infant lead exposure from maternal breast milk*
Initial venous blood lead level (BLL; mcg/dL) Perform follow-up blood lead test(s)
5 to 19 Every three months, unless infant BLLs are rising or fail to decline.
20 to 39 Two weeks postpartum and then at one- to three-month intervals depending on direction/magnitude of trend in infant BLLs.
≥40 Within 24 hours postpartum and then at frequent intervals depending on clinical interventions and trend in BLLs. Consultation with a clinician experienced in the management of lead poisoning is advised.
* If a woman becomes pregnant while lactating, she should be followed according to the schedule for pregnancy.
¶ Last BLL measured in pregnancy or at delivery (maternal or cord BLL).
Reproduced from: Ettinger AS, Wengrovitz AG. Guidelines for the Identification and Management of Lead Exposure in Pregnant and Lactating Women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 2010.
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