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.
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Screening
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Who needs it
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How often
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Chlamydia and gonorrhea infections
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Sexually active females, including those pregnant, ages 24 years and younger
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Once a year or as advised during pregnancy
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High lead level
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Children who have possible or confirmed exposure to lead or show symptoms of lead poisoning
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Questions to determine risk or blood screening tests may be done once a year or as recommended
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HIV
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Children in this age group at risk for infection; talk with your child’s healthcare provider
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Screening at least once between the ages of 15 and 21 and at routine exams as needed based on risk factors
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Overweight and obesity
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Assessment of overweight and obesity risk using BMI categories in children age 2 to 19 years
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At routine exams
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Oral health
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All children in this age group
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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.
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Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
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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
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Every 3 years if tests are normal or more frequently if BMI increases
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Blood pressure
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All children 3 years of age and older
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Annual well-child visit
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Vision and hearing
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All children in this age group
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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.
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Counseling
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Who needs it
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How often
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Depression and suicide risk
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Children between ages 12 and 18 years
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At routine exams
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Anxiety
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Children between ages 8 and 18 years
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At routine exams
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Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
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Children in this age group who are sexually active
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At routine exams
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Prevention of skin cancer
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Sun protection is important for children of all ages.
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At routine exams
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Increased physical activity
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All children, especially those with diabetes or prediabetes
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At routine exams
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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
© 2000-2025 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.