Observation and patient disposition after lead poisoning
Admit all patients with lead encephalopathy and those who require parenteral chelation therapy.
Most patients with lead poisoning can be managed as outpatients on oral chelation therapy under the guidance of a clinical toxicologist.
Discharge asymptomatic patients who do not require chelation therapy.
Family members, household pets and colleagues should also be investigated and treated as appropriate. Consider notifying the local public health authority1 of any elevated blood lead concentration, as the exposure can be a public or occupational health concern. Notification requirements vary between jurisdictions.