As a parent, it’s essential to ensure your child grows and develops well. One of the ways to track their health is through regular blood tests. Blood tests help in the diagnosis and treatment of various health issues.

However, not all blood tests require a particular schedule. In this article, we’ll discuss when to schedule blood tests for children.

Newborns

A newborn requires blood tests within the first few days after birth. The tests should be done before leaving the hospital. These tests help in screening for various health issues. They include:.

Bilirubin test- helps in diagnosing jaundice
Metabolic screening- this helps in diagnosing inherited disorders
Blood type and Rh factor screening- this helps in determining a baby’s blood type and a mother’s Rh factor to prevent certain complications in future pregnancies.

Infants and toddlers

After your child completes their newborn blood tests, you can schedule other blood tests after some time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends specific blood tests in this age group.

Health care providers use these tests to check for anemia, lead poisoning, Hepatitis B, and other health conditions. The schedule is:.

Iron-deficiency anemia – At 12 months
Hepatitis B – At 12 and 18 months
Lead poisoning – Between 9 and 12 months, 24 months, and around 3 to 4 years.
Anemia – 15 to 18 months and 24 months
Tuberculosis (TB) – As per your healthcare provider’s recommendation
Cholesterol screening – Between 9 and 11 years for those at risk of developing heart disease

Children and Adolescents

This age group requires fewer blood tests than newborns, infants, and toddlers. However, it’s essential to stay up to date with well-child visits and ensure you follow up with any recommended tests. The recommended tests include:.

Hemoglobin and Hematocrit – This test is recommended yearly, starting at age 4
Lipid profile – This test is recommended for children aged 9 to 11 years who are at risk of developing heart disease. It’s also recommended for those who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
Sexually transmitted infections – Testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis is recommended for sexually active teens and those at high risk
Tuberculosis – This is recommended for those who have recently arrived in the US from a country with TB or exposed to someone with TB.
HIV – This test is recommended at least once between the ages of 15 and 18 years.

When to Schedule Blood Tests

The best time to schedule blood tests is during routine well-child visits. These visits allow healthcare providers to monitor your child’s growth, development and detect any potential problems. The recommended frequency of well-child visits is:.

Within the first week after birth
At 1 month
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
2 years
2-3 years
4-5 years
6-10 years (yearly)
11-14 years (yearly)
15-17 years (yearly)
18-21 years (every 2-3 years)

Conclusion

Blood tests are essential for every child’s health. However, not all blood tests need a specific schedule. Newborns, infants, and toddlers are recommended to have different blood tests compared to children and adolescents.

The frequency of well-child visits depends on the child’s age, and it’s crucial to follow these schedules to stay up-to-date with blood tests and other health checkups.