Screening

Who needs it

How often

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

Newborn screenings. Tests may vary by state. This is a series of tests for conditions such as:

• Hearing loss

• Congenital heart disease

• Congenital hypothyroidism

• Phenylketonuria

• Sickle cell disease

• Cystic fibrosis

• Severe immunodeficiency

All newborns. Talk with the healthcare provider about the tests in your state.

Testing is done when a baby is at least 24 hours old. It is done before discharge from the hospital. A hearing screening is done before a baby is 1 month old.

Oral health

Children ages 6 months and up

Oral health exams at 6 and 9 months. Risk check at 12, 18, and 24 months. Risk check for needing extra fluoride at 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. (Extra fluoride needed if there are low levels in local water.) Fluoride varnish applied every 3 to 6 months once teeth are in.