Screening Tests for Children

In medicine, a screening test is a test that is performed when there are no signs or symptoms of disease. Without symptoms of disease, children generally do not need many laboratory screening tests. Preventive services for children emphasize immunisation and prevention of accidents and injuries as well as counselling on development of healthy eating and exercise habits. In addition to immunisation boosters, vaccination for tuberculosis is offered between the ages of 10 and 14 following patch testing (see Government's vaccination schedule). Height, weight, blood pressure, and should be monitored during periodic health examinations. Screening to prevent tooth decay is carried out through regular dental checks in schools.

In the Republic of Ireland, when children are aged 4 or 5 years, they need a booster vaccine against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough. A second dose of the MMR vaccine is also recommended at this time as some children do not respond to the first dose.

When children are aged 11 to 14 years, another booster is recommended to provide long-lasting protection against tetanus and diphtheria. Vaccination against TB is also recommended for those aged 10-15 years whose tuberculin skin test is negative and has had no previous BCG.

Although health screening laboratory tests are usually not conducted on the whole population of children without symptoms of disease, some screening tests may be recommended based on known risk factors. This is called "Targeted Screening".

Links

National Electronic Library for Health Child Health Screening
Health Technology Assessment
UK National Screening Committee
Children’s National Service Framework
NICE Guideline on Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Health Service Executive Immunisation, Republic of Ireland