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Health Screening Guidelines, Birth to Age 2
Screening tests are a key part of managing your child's health. Below are guidelines for children from birth to age 2.
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Screening
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Who needs it
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How often
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APGAR. This is a test to check the overall health of a baby right after birth. Breathing, color, heart rate, muscle tone, and reflexes are checked.
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All newborns
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1 and 5 minutes after birth
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Lead level
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All children in this age group
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Risk check of lead exposure at ages 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Blood testing advised if risk is high.
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Newborn screenings. Tests may vary by state. This is a series of tests for conditions such as:
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All newborns. Talk with the healthcare provider about the tests in your state.
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Testing is done when a baby is at least 24 hours old. It is done before discharge from the hospital. A hearing screening is done before a baby is 1 month old.
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Oral health
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Children ages 6 months and up
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Oral health exams at 6 and 9 months. Risk check at 12, 18, and 24 months. Risk check for needing extra fluoride at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. (Extra fluoride needed if there are low levels in local water.) Fluoride varnish applied every 3 to 6 months once teeth are in.
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Online Medical Reviewer:
Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Maryann Foley RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
8/1/2020
© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.