Exam, screen or action |
When performed |
The newborn blood screening tests for several genetic issues and syndromes. |
Newborns should be screened before they leave the hospital; at the latest, 2 months old |
Critical congenital heart defect screening:measures oxygen levels in a newborn’s blood. Low numbers can mean there may be a heart problem. |
At birth for all newborns. |
Screens for anemia–Anemia is a disorder that causes a child to feel tired because her body’s cells are not getting enough oxygen. This is often caused by not having enough red blood cells or not enough iron. Blood tests are given: A hematocrit measures number of red blood cell in blood; hemoglobin measures iron |
- At the 12 month wellness check for all children
- At other visits, for children at risk, for those who complain of constantly feeling tired, or when a physician or parents have a concern
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Screening for lead poisoning –with a blood sample. Just a tiny amount of lead in the blood can cause damage to the brain, heart and immune systems. |
In New Jersey,
- All children have a blood test for lead between ages 1 and 2 years.
- If at risk, at 6, 9, or 18 months; between 3 and 6 years old inclusive if no previous screening
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The tuberculin skin test screens for exposure to (not necessarily infection with) to tuberculosis (TB), a very dangerous bacterial disease that damages lungs and makes it hard to breathe. |
- At 1 month, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years old for children at risk
- Annually after children have screened positive for exposure or for other children who are at-risk
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Dyslipidemia screening includes blood tests for cholesterol, triglycerides and other substances that cause hardening of the arteries in the heart. |
- All children should be screened once between ages 9 through 11 years and again between ages 18 through 20.
- At ages 2 years, 4 years, 6 years, 8 years, and possibly each year from ages 12 through 17 for youth at risk.
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Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and/or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The doctor will ask the patient about sexual activity, number of partners and any symptoms. Based on the child’s responses, the doctor will screen for disease by testing the child’s urine, swabbing and testing any sores in the genitalia, or ordering a blood test. |
STI screening
- At least during one wellness visit for all youth from age 16 through 18 years
- At wellness visits for at- risk youth from age 11 through age 20 years
- HIV screening for at risk youth after counseling
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Cervical dysplasia screening: This is known as a Pap test. A doctor will take a tiny sample of tissue from the patient’s cervix to test for precancerous cells. (May be done by a gynecologist instead of a child’s primary doctor). |
For young women who are sexually active, within 3 years of onset of sexual activity |
Oral health: Doctors should refer children to a dentist when the child’s first tooth comes through. Sometimes patients cannot get to a dentist regularly. The doctor should check these patients for oral/dental health and administer a fluoride treatment |
- Referral to dentist between ages 6 and 12 months.
- For youth at risk, fluoride treatments at age 12 months and sometime between ages 2 and 3 years, inclusive
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