to poke or not to poke?

fanofanne

hello ladies...my b/g twins turned one a couple of weeks ago and i can't believe how fast it's all going.  so i understand that many of your one year olds have had a blood test to test for lead and such, but the blood test is not standard practice at our doctor's office.  i asked their pedi about it, and he said that it was not necessary, but obviously the decision was mine.  so what do you think?  should i have the blood test done?  wwyd?

Aurora_Borealis

It kind of depends on where you live. Like if you are in a relatively new town or city it's not so much of a concern. If you're in an older town or city with lots of old homes and buildings with lead paint, then the test is a very good idea.

oliversmommy32912

I had never even heard of this until I joined TB. No one I know has ever done it and neither our new pedi nor old pedi do it. Maybe it's a regional thing? I'm in the Seattle area.

We try to limit any unnecessary testing and procedures so

LoriLee14

Our dr wanted little man to get one. I didn't think it was necessary but my cousin (who is a nurse and mother) suggested i get it done. They are looking for other things too besides just lead. Low white blood count, platelets, virus screening, precance

eyenigh

I would only do it if you have a reason to-- usually the pedi will provide a list of scenarios that might suggest that your baby could be at risk. We did it because my husband is a competition shooter, serves as a range officer regularly and makes all of

Zimger

It was mandatory at our office but even if it wasn't I would have had it done just in case. I would hate to look back later and wish I had done it.

MNgirl326

meh, my pedi had it done for LO.  It's really not that big of a deal.  They poke, collect some blood, baby cries and then they get a Band-Aid which usually distracts them and then they are fine.

I don't really think it's something

fanofanne

thanks for your advice.  i had no idea that where you live would even matter, but i guess it does.  hm.  thanks again, ladies!