Objective.-To estimate the prevalence of elevated lead levels among children in Orange County, California, and to evaluate the appropriateness of a universal pediatric blood lead screening policy in this community.

Design.-Venous blood lead testing was conducted and results were analyzed according to seven blood lead strata ranging from less than 0.50 mumol/L (10 mug/dL) to 3.35 mumol/L (70 mug/dL) or higher.

A cost analysis of the lead-testing program in Orange County was conducted.

Setting.-Children meeting poverty eligibility criteria and attending the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program, the state's implementation of the federal Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services program.