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The Utility and Financial Implications of Obtaining Routine Lead Levels for Child Psychiatric Inpatients

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Abstract

This study attempted to challenge the CDC recommendations regarding routine screening blood lead levels in children. The purpose was to determine the efficacy of obtaining routine lead levels on all patients admitted to a child psychiatric inpatient unit. A retrospective chart review of children admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit during a 12 month period. The audit determined average lead levels and costs associated with the screening program. 1 of 61 admitted children was found to have an elevated lead level. Number needed to treat was determined to be 98. The cost per case detected was determined to be over $8,600. Routine screening for blood lead levels in all children admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit does not appear efficacious or cost effective.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Tanvir Singh, MD for his advising and support on this study. The authors would also like to acknowledge Mary Kay Smith, MD for her guidance and resource support on this study.

Conflict of interest

The authors report no financial support for this study and have no funding disclosures. IRB approval was obtained from the Biomedical Institutional Review Board.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Mail Code H073, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA

    Lance Feldman

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, OH, USA

    Yixing Chen

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  1. Lance Feldman
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  2. Yixing Chen
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Correspondence to Lance Feldman.

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Feldman, L., Chen, Y. The Utility and Financial Implications of Obtaining Routine Lead Levels for Child Psychiatric Inpatients. Community Ment Health J 49, 611–614 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9563-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-012-9563-5

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