Screening tests and health counseling are a key part of managing your child's health. A screening test is done to find disorders or diseases in people who don't have any symptoms. Screening tests are not used to diagnose. They are used to find out if more testing is needed. The goal may be to find a disease early so it can be treated with more success. Or the goal may be find a disease so lifestyle changes can be made. And your child can be watched closely to reduce the risk of disease.
Below are guidelines for children and teens from ages 2 to 18. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider. Based on your child’s health history and risk factors, the provider may change the screening advice. Make sure your child is up-to-date on what they need.
Gender words are used here to talk about anatomy and health risk. Please use this information in a way that works best for you and your child's provider as you talk about their care.
Screening
Who needs it
How often
Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections
All people with a uterus in this age group who have sex
Once a year
High lead level
Children age 6 and younger
Questions to learn risk, or blood tests, may be done once a year
HIV
Children in this group who are ages 15 to 18. Talk with your child’s healthcare provider.
At routine exams at age 15 or older (or younger if at risk)
Obesity
Assessment of risk for all children in this age group
At routine exams
Tooth decay and other dental problems
All children in this age group
Dental exams every 6 months. Fluoride supplements from age 6 months to 16 years for those with low fluoride levels in their water. Fluoride varnish should be applied every 3 to 6 months. Fluoride rinses may be used in children age 6 years or older, if they are able to rinse and spit.
Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Children ages 10 or older who are overweight or obese and have 1 or more other risk factors for diabetes
At least every 3 years or more often if BMI is increasing
Blood pressure
All children 3 years of age and older
Annual well-child visit
Vision and hearing problems
Screening 1 time between ages 3 and 5 years. After that, every 3 years.
Anemia
Children age 12 months and older
1 time at about 12 months old, then repeated as needed based on risk
Counseling
Depression
Children between ages 12 and 18 years
Anxiety
Children between ages 8 and 18
Prevention of skin cancer
Pale-skinned children starting at age 6 months
Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Children in this age group who have sex
More physical activity
Children with obesity, diabetes, or prediabetes
Prevention of tobacco use
All school-age children