Screening tests and health counseling are an important part of managing your child's health. A screening test is done to find possible disorders or diseases in children who don't have any symptoms. The goal is to find a disease early so changes can be made and your child can be watched more closely to lower their chance for the disease. Screening tests also help detect a disease early enough to treat it most effectively. Screening tests are used to find out if more testing is needed. Below are guidelines for children and teens from ages 2 to 18. Talk with your child's healthcare provider to 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 provider as you talk about your care.
Screening
Who needs it
How often
Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections
Sexually active females, including those pregnant, ages 24 years and younger
Once a year or as advised during pregnancy
High lead level
Children who are 6 years of age and younger
Questions to determine risk or blood screening tests may be done once a year.
HIV
Children in this age group at risk for infection; talk with your child’s healthcare provider
At routine exams
Obesity
Assessment of obesity risk in children 6 years of age and older
Oral health
All children in this age group
Oral health risk assessments 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 age 10 and older or who have reached puberty and are overweight or obese and have1 or more other risk factors for diabetes
Every 3 years
Blood pressure
All children 3 years of age and older
Annual well child visit
Vision and hearing
Hearing and vision testing at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10
Counseling
Depression
Children between ages 12 and 18 years
Anxiety
Children between ages 8 and 18 years
Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
Children in this age group who are sexually active
Prevention of skin cancer
Fair-skinned children starting at age 10 years up to age 24
Increased physical activity
All children, especially those with diabetes or prediabetes