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Hemoglobin & Lead Testing for Toddlers — Because

Looking Healthy Isn't the Same as Being Healthy.

A small test now can save you from a much bigger worry later. At Fairway, we catch it before

it becomes one.

30+ YEARS SERVING LOCAL

FAMILIES

COMPREHENSIVE CARE FROM

BIRTH TO AGE 21

EXPERIENCED PEDIATRIC TEAM

YOU CAN TRUST

Your toddler seems fine — eating, playing, growing right on schedule. But some of the biggest threats to

their development don't show obvious symptoms until real damage has already been done. That's

exactly why hemoglobin and lead testing are a standard part of care at Fairway Children's Medical

Group, typically done around 12 and 24 months with a simple finger-prick. Low hemoglobin can signal

iron-deficiency anemia, which affects brain development — and even small amounts of lead in the

blood are a neurotoxin linked to lower IQ and attention difficulties. Catching either one early changes

everything.

We test for both together because they're connected. Lead exposure can interfere with how the body

absorbs iron, making a child more prone to anemia — so checking both at the same time gives us a

complete picture of your child's health. If we find anything elevated, we don't just hand you a result

and move on. For anemia, that means iron supplements and nutrition guidance. For lead, that means

helping you identify and remove the source of exposure right away, with close follow-up care to make

sure your child's levels come back down to safe.

What sets us apart

Done Right Here — No Pediatric

Lab Referral Needed

Most families would otherwise

need to be referred to a dedicated

pediatric lab for this kind of testing.

At Fairway, it's a quick finger-prick

done right in our West Covina and

Diamond Bar offices — no extra

trip, no separate appointment.

We Don't Just Test — We Guide

What Happens Next

A result is only the beginning. If

anemia or elevated lead is found,

we walk you through exactly what

it means and the next steps —

whether that's iron

supplementation or identifying

the source of lead exposure in your

home.

Built Into the Toddler Years

When It Matters Most

Testing happens right when the

risk is highest — 12 and 24 months

— so nothing gets missed during

the window when early detection

makes the biggest difference for

your child's long-term

development.

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Hemoglobin and Lead Testing Q&A

Why are these two tests often performed together?

They are done together because the risk of exposure and nutritional deficiency peaks in toddlerhood (12-24 months), and lead poisoning can interfere with the body's ability to absorb iron, making a child more prone to anemia. Screening both provides a holistic view of the child's health and environment.

Is the finger-prick test sufficient for an accurate diagnosis?

The finger-prick (capillary) test is an excellent initial screening tool for quick results. However, if this sample shows an elevated lead level, a confirmatory venous blood draw (from a vein) is performed to rule out any potential false positive from skin contamination before starting any significant intervention.

What action is taken if my child is found to have anemia or elevated lead?

If anemia is detected, treatment focuses on prescribed iron supplements and nutritional counseling. If an elevated lead level is confirmed, the critical next step is the immediate identification and elimination of the source of lead exposure from the child's environment, along with follow-up monitoring and care.

Our Commitment to Your Child's Health Fairway Children's Medical Group is dedicated to proactive pediatric health. We proudly offer reliable in-office hemoglobin and lead screening services, backed by our team of experts ready to guide your family through any necessary next steps, ensuring your child's optimal development.