Updated blood lead reference value for children

Dec. 2021Important Notices

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its blood lead reference value (BLRV) from 5 µg/dL to 3.5 µg/dL in response to a recommendation by the Lead Exposure Prevention and Advisory Committee (LEPAC).

The BLRV aims to identify children with higher levels of lead in their blood compared to most children, based on the 97.5th percentile of the blood lead level (BLL) distribution in U.S. children ages 1 to 5 years.1 However, the CDC states that there is no safe BLL in children and that even low levels of lead in blood can affect learning and academic achievement and have permanent effects. It is critical for providers to partner with parents and caregivers to help prevent exposure and lower a child’s lead level, if necessary. To connect members with case management and for environmental lead investigation support, please contact the UPMC Pediatric Care Management Department. You can email a referral to pedscasemanagement@upmc.edu or call 1-866-778-6073 and select “pediatrics.”

Learn more
For more information about BLL in children, visit cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/blood-lead-levels.htm. You can also view the UPMC Health Plan Lead Screening Provider Tip Sheet.

Source
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC updates blood lead reference value for children. Last reviewed Oct. 28, 2021. Accessed Nov. 2, 2021. cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p1028-blood-lead.html

Recent Announcements

February 2026 UPMC for You and UPMC Community HealthChoices formulary update

Pulmicort Flexhaler has a new distributor, Rubicon Holding. National Drug Codes (NDCs) for Pulmicort Flexhaler from Rubicon Holding are not included in the Medicaid Drug Rebate program and are not covered under the Medicaid Prescription Drug Program. Pulmicort Flexhaler NDCs from the previous manufacturer, H2 Pharma, have been discontinued but may be billed/dispensed until supplies are exhausted.
Feb. 2026Pharmacy Updates

CME Webinar: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s ‘Talk Saves Lives’ Program

Please join us on Tuesday, April 28, from noon to 1 p.m. for “Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention.” This live, CME-accredited webinar is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s flagship suicide prevention education program. It covers the scope of this leading cause of death, warning signs and risk factors for suicide, and strategies to prevent it.
Feb. 2026Education/Webinars

Training Webinar: Conversio Health COPD Management Program

Please join us for a live training webinar by UPMC Health Plan that will provide an overview of a comprehensive COPD management program from Conversio Health.
Jan. 2026Education/Webinars