Screening

Who needs it

How often

APGAR (a test to check the overall health of a baby right after birth)

Breathing, color, heart rate, muscle tone, and reflexes are checked

All newborns

1 and 5 minutes after birth

Lead level

All children in this age group

Risk assessment of lead exposure at ages 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Blood testing advised if risk assessment is high.

Newborn screenings (a series of tests for metabolic, endocrine, hemoglobin, and other conditions; tests may vary by state)

Conditions tested for include hearing loss, congenital heart disease, congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and severe immunodeficiency

All newborns; talk with your healthcare provider about the tests in your state

Testing when newborn is at least 24 hours old; done before discharge from the hospital. Hearing screening done before infant is 1 month old.

Oral health

Children ages 6 months and up

Oral health exams at 6 and 9 months; risk assessment at 12, 18, and 24 months. Risk assessment for fluoride supplementation at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months; oral fluoride supplementation for those with low fluoride levels in their water; fluoride varnish should be applied every 3 to 6 months once teeth are present.