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    Health Screening Guidelines, Ages 2 to 18

    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 that 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 general 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.

    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 have possible or confirmed exposure to lead or show symptoms of lead poisoning

    Questions to determine risk or blood screening tests may be done once a year or as recommended

     

    HIV

    Children in this age group at risk for infection; talk with your child’s healthcare provider

    Screening at least once between the ages of 15 and 21 and at routine exams as needed based on risk factors

    Overweight and obesity

    Assessment of overweight and obesity risk using BMI categories in children age 2 to 19 years

    At routine exams

    Oral health

    All children in this age group

    Oral health risk assessments every 6 months beginning at age 6 months. Fluoride supplements from age 6 months to 16 years for those with low fluoride levels in their water supply. Fluoride varnish should be applied every 6 months starting at age 6 months to age 5 years. 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 or are overweight or obese and have one or more other risk factors for diabetes

    Every 3 years if tests are normal or more frequently if BMI increases

    Blood pressure

    All children 3 years of age and older

    Annual well-child visit

    Vision and hearing

    All children in this age group

    Vision testing starting at 1 month to 5 years assessed at each routine visit, followed by testing every 1 to 2 years after age 5 years. Hearing First screening before 1 month of age, then testing at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 years, with additional screenings between ages 11 and 14, 15 and 17, and 18 and 21.

    Counseling

    Who needs it

    How often

    Depression and suicide risk

    Children between ages 12 and 18 years

    At routine exams

    Anxiety

    Children between ages 8 and 18 years

    At routine exams

    Prevention of sexually transmitted infections

    Children in this age group who are sexually active

    At routine exams

    Prevention of skin cancer

    Sun protection is important for children of all ages.

    At routine exams

    Increased physical activity

    All children, especially those with diabetes or prediabetes

    At routine exams

    Online Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
    Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2024
    © 2000-2024 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.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

    Disclaimer