Use of a filter disc micro-sampling atomic absorption method for blood lead level screening.

The filter-paper disc method using capillary blood was compared with the Delves techniques using venous blood. For routine screening, the filter-paper disc method was found to yield rapid and reasonable results and, in addition, to be relatively inexpensive. The method was used to screen the blood lead level of over 1000 children in pediatric hospitals of four major cities in Canada. Results of the survey are discussed with regard to sampling technique, analytical technique, and the statistical analysis.