Preventive Screenings in the Neonatal Field
Neonatal refers to a child’s first few days after being born. The preventive screening/well-child evaluation recommendation for the neonatal system is newborn hearing screening. This screening is recommended for all newborns, regardless of gender and is offered to them shortly after birth (during the first few months after birth). A newborn is supposed to get this screening test once in their lifetime (American Academy of Pediatrics, n.d.). The organization that recommends this screening is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Screening for length/height, weight, head circumference, weight for length, BMI, BP, vision, and panel screening (RUSP) such as: Trifunctional protein deficiency, Argininosuccinic aciduria, Citrullinemia, type I, Maple syrup urine disease, Homocystinuria, Classic phenylketonuria, etc. This screening is recommended for both genders during the first 3-5 days of life for newborns up to 9 months. The organization that requires this screening is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) (American Academy of Pediatrics, n.d.).
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises these exams, emphasizing the significance of early identification and intervention. The AAP and other prestigious organizations, including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), acknowledge the importance of these assessments in enhancing newborn care. Additional screenings typically include tests to assess hearing, vision, metabolic disorders, and congenital heart defects.
Well-Being Assessment in Dermatology
Dermatology involves the diagnosis and screening of different skin disorders. The screening recommendation for dermatology is a skin examination. This screening test determines if there is any skin complication in a child after birth. It is necessary for both male and female children and offered to them during their routine well-child visits to the pediatrician. It is offered to them more regularly and is considered part of a child’s routine physical examination (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.).
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is the organization that recommends this screening for children. Skin cancer screening, mole mapping, and allergy testing. These extra dermatological examinations and recommendations aid in the early identification and treatment of skin problems, such as skin cancer and allergic skin disorders.
Another skin test recommendation is to educate patients on UV light exposure and the benefit of applying sunscreen with a 15SPF. Wear hats and sunglasses to avoid sun exposure from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is recommended for both genders aged 6 months to 24 years old with fair skin to prevent skin cancer. The Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises taking these precautions to reduce the risk of skin cancer. They advise staying out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and promote wearing hats and sunglasses to further shield the skin from UV radiation (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.). By advocating these preventative measures, dermatologists want to increase public knowledge of the value of sun protection and lower the prevalence of skin conditions, particularly skin cancer, in susceptible groups.
Preventive Assessment in Hematology
Hematology is a branch that focuses on studying blood and different blood disorders. A hematocrit test is the recommended preventive screening recommendation for hematology. This test measures the red blood cells in a child’s blood. It is recommended for both boys and girls and is conducted 12 months after birth and between 15 and 18 months. It can be done once to a child or as a healthcare provider recommends. Recommended for both genders.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a hematocrit test for every child (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022). Numerous tests and assessments in the field of hematology are essential for spotting and treating blood problems. Other tests, in addition to the hematocrit test, are advised to evaluate blood health fully. For instance, the complete blood count (CBC) test is frequently performed to look at the red, white, and platelet components of the blood (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022). Additional screenings include: blood clotting tests, hemoglobin electrophoresis, bone marrow biopsy, and genetic testing.
Well-Being Check in Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology involves the diagnosis and treatment of all eye diseases. The well-child evaluation recommendation for ophthalmology is vision screening. This screening ensures that if a child has an eye problem, it is attended to immediately. The two screenings—Strabismus Screening and Refractive Error Screening—seek to identify eye disorders early to guarantee proper treatment and intervention. This screening test is conducted for both male and female children at six months, 12 months, three years, and five years.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this screening for every child (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). According to the USPSTF, this testing is recommended for children aged 3 to 5 to detect any signs of amblyopia or its risk factors, which is considered a Grade B recommendation. Both genders are recommended in this test.
Regular ophthalmologic examinations are essential for maintaining general eye health as well as for the early diagnosis and treatment of eye illnesses. Ophthalmologists highlight the significance of preventative screenings and advise including them in routine healthcare for people of all ages, along with groups like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Emphasizing eye health through routine ophthalmology examinations can help individuals protect their eyesight and maintain the best possible visual function throughout their lives. Additional screenings may include visual acuity tests, eye pressure measurements (tonometry), visual field tests, dilated eye exams, and retinal imaging.
Preventive Screenings of the Ear/Nose/Throat System
One of the most important aspects of pediatric healthcare is ear, nose, and throat screening. Hearing screening is the most important preventive exam and well-child check advised in this area. Additional screenings are Tonsil and Adenoid screening, and Speech and Language Screening. Hearing screening is a key examination for both male and female youngsters (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). It is available to people 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 12 years old. In order to track children’s hearing abilities as they develop and to spot any possible hearing problems or impairments, these crucial developmental phases were chosen.
In order to ensure ongoing monitoring of children’s auditory health, hearing screenings are routinely conducted once a year. However, the frequency may change depending on the child’s unique situation or any recognized risk factors. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is in charge of promoting hearing testing as a crucial preventative intervention in child healthcare. The AAP hopes to guarantee early diagnosis of hearing issues by recommending this test, allowing for prompt interventions and appropriate care (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
Early intervention is essential for reducing the effects of hearing loss on a child’s development, communication, and general quality of life. In addition to the ear, the mouth cavity and dental health are also included in the scope of services provided by ENT healthcare providers. Even though dentistry is its own independent discipline, certain conditions and concerns linked to the oral cavity and teeth might be strongly associated with disorders pertaining to the ears, nose, and throat (ENT).
Pulmonary Preventive Assessments
Preventive screenings in this area are essential for the early diagnosis and management of respiratory disorders. Pulmonary health is key to overall well-being. The well-child examination strongly emphasizes tuberculosis (TB) screening, one of the advised tests for respiratory health. Both male and female youngsters should have TB screenings as a preventive measure.
Usually, this screening test is administered at 12 months and then again at 4 years old. Asthma Screening and Allergy screening enable healthcare providers to manage respiratory conditions. Screening frequency may change depending on personal risk factors and medical professional advice (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). In order to identify and stop the spread of tuberculosis within communities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highly advises TB screening for kids.
Screening for cystic fibrosis (CF) in specific groups is also advised. Regardless of gender, the Cystic Fibrosis Organization recommends that all neonates be screened for CF at birth (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). By following these screening recommendations, medical professionals may ensure early detection and intervention, which improves outcomes and children’s quality of life. Regular pulmonary tests are essential for preserving children’s respiratory health and advancing their general well-being.
Well-Being Screenings in Cardiology
The aim of the medical specialty of cardiology is the identification and management of heart-related diseases. Blood pressure readings are a crucial screening test that doctors advise children have as part of preventative care and well-child exams. Blood pressure monitoring is a critical preventative screening for both male and female youngsters. It is advised for all kids from the age of three. This preliminary examination measures blood pressure on the artery walls and offers crucial details about cardiovascular health.
Additional screenings are Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) and Echocardiography. Given the child’s unique circumstances, blood pressure is often measured at routine well-child visits or as medical professionals deem essential (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). By consistently monitoring blood pressure, healthcare practitioners can detect possible anomalies or early indications of hypertension, allowing for prompt intervention and effective management.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights the need to take a child’s blood pressure as a preventative screening test (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). In addition to monitoring blood pressure, cardiology encompasses a wide range of other concerns about the heart’s health and the avoidance of cardiovascular illnesses. Several of these aspects include exercise, a healthy diet, arrhythmia management, and heart failure management.
Preventive Assessments of the Gastrointestinal System
The gastrointestinal system plays a vital role in general health, including a number of organs and systems involved in digestion and nutrient absorption. Developmental feeding screening is a crucial part of evaluating the gastrointestinal system for preventative screenings and well-child exams. Developmental screening is advised at every age for male and female children. It focuses on assessing a child’s oral motor skills, including sucking, swallowing, and general feeding ability (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This examination assists in identifying any eating and nutritional problems or developmental challenges.
Additional screenings are the Stool Test and Celiac Disease Screening, which enable healthcare providers to identify the associated disorders and provide solutions. Every well-child visit often includes a feeding developmental test, allowing healthcare professionals to keep track of a child’s feeding development and address any issues as they emerge. Suppose the healthcare professional suggests it in light of a particular set of circumstances. In that case, the screening may also be carried out at other periods.
As part of comprehensive pediatric care, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly advises developmental screening for eating (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). By evaluating a child’s eating abilities, healthcare experts can spot any possible issues or delays in gastrointestinal development. They can offer the necessary therapies or refer the child to specialists if required. Additional screenings may consist of diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to investigate the structure of the gastrointestinal system and any abnormalities that may be present.
Preventive Screenings of the Genitourinary System
The urinary system and reproductive health depend on the genitourinary system, which includes the genital and urinary tracts. Microscopic analysis or urine dipstick testing is advised as a screening approach for the genitourinary system in the context of preventive care and well-child exams. For both male and female youngsters, microscopic examination or urine dipstick testing is indicated. This screening exam is often provided between the ages of 12 and 24 months and between 5 and 7 years following birth (DeWitt, 2020).
It seeks to evaluate the features and content of the urine to identify any anomalies or probable urinary tract problems. The number of times a kid has this screening test may change based on their unique situation and any known risk factors. Generally, it is advised to be carried out just once in a child’s lifetime, or as advised by the healthcare professional, depending on certain concerns or indicators. Additional screenings are Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) and Renal Ultrasound.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), every kid should get this screening test, stressing its significance in assessing urinary tract health and spotting any possible anomalies (DeWitt, 2020). Healthcare professionals may ensure early identification and intervention by adhering to the AAP’s recommendations, ensuring good genitourinary system function and children’s general well-being. Additional screens may consist of a physical examination, an assessment of the patient’s medical history, and diagnostic testing such as tests of the patient’s urine, tests of the patient’s blood, and imaging investigations such as ultrasounds or CT scans.
Well-Being Assessment of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system comprises glands in different parts of the body, which make up hormones. The recommended preventive screening for the endocrine system is a thyroid function test. This screening test is offered to both male and female children, and the age at which it is received often depends on the clinical assessment of risk factors. The frequency of receiving thyroid function tests is often based on the recommendation offered by the healthcare provider. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) suggests this screening test for children (Iannelli, 2022).
Thyroid issues in children can significantly affect their growth, development, and general health. Sluggishness, weight gain, and slowed development are some of the signs of hypothyroidism, which is defined by an underactive thyroid. On the other side, hyperthyroidism, a condition marked by an overactive thyroid, can result in symptoms including an elevated heart rate, weight loss, and irritability.
Healthcare professionals can detect probable thyroid issues early in children by routinely screening and monitoring thyroid function. This enables prompt interventions like hormone replacement therapy or other suitable therapies. Diabetes is, without a doubt, one of the most common endocrine illnesses affecting American patients today, alongside thyroid disorders. Additional screenings are the Growth Hormone Stimulation Test and the Blood Glucose Test.
Preventive Screenings of the Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system involves a person’s bones, cartilage, ligaments, connective tissues, and tendons. The preventive screening recommendation for the musculoskeletal system is the Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) screening. The screening test is suggested for both male and female children and is offered to them from birth to when they start walking. A child receives this test according to the suggestion of the healthcare provider. The American Academy of Pediatrics is the organization that requires all children to be offered this screening test (Rosner et al., n.d.).
Healthcare professionals can spot possible problems with hip joint development early on by including DDH screening in standard well-child exams. Although DDH screening is an effective way to identify hip dysplasia, it is crucial to remember that some instances may still go undiagnosed. Additional screening includes physical examination, orthopedic assessments, and imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans.
Developmental milestones include both gross and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills involve the movement of larger muscle groups, whereas fine motor skills involve the movement of smaller muscle groups in more exact ways (Rosner et al., n.d.). Musculoskeletal growth can be shown in developmental milestones, including rolling over, crawling, walking, running, jumping, and throwing. Hand and finger muscles, as well as the bone and joint growth that corresponds with them, are essential for the development of fine motor skills like gripping, using scissors, and tying shoelaces.
Prevention of Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases are disorders resulting from organisms like viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. The recommended well-child evaluation for infectious disease in childhood vaccination (immunizations). Vaccinations against infectious diseases are often recommended for both male and female children.
It is offered to all children, depending on the nature of the disease, and the healthcare provider often decides the required age. Additionally, the frequency of offering vaccinations often depends on the healthcare professional’s recommendation. The organization that suggests this test for children is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (The American Thyroid Association, n.d.).
Childhood immunizations aim to promote herd immunity, or communal immunity, as well as personal protection for each child. By immunizing a sizable section of the population, the spread of infectious illnesses can be significantly slowed down; this will indirectly protect people who cannot get vaccinations for health or other reasons. Parents and other caregivers must stay knowledgeable about the vaccinations that are advised for their kids.
Tuberculosis (TB) Screening and Hepatitis B Screening assist in identifying and managing infectious diseases and reducing their impact on children. HIV screening is recommended for individuals aged 15 years and older. Still, it is based on risk factors in individuals aged 11 to 14.
Check of Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormality is a disorder that involves numerical or morphological alterations in the chromosomes, which affects sex and autosomal chromosomes. The recommended preventive screening/well-child evaluation for chromosomal abnormalities is a karyotype. This screening test is offered to both female and male children who receive it based on the clinical indications and risk factors. Even though some screening tests are offered regularly to children during their well-child visits, the karyotype is given to them based on the suggestions of healthcare providers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the organization that requires all children to go through this screening test (Xia et al., 2020).
By using the karyotype test to detect chromosomal anomalies early on, early intervention, support, and management may be provided that is specifically suited to the child’s and their family’s requirements. Non-invasive prenatal testing, also known as NIPT, is another form of screening. This test examines the cell-free DNA in the mother’s blood in order to screen for particular chromosomal disorders, such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, or Patau syndrome.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatric Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. n.d. Web.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).Home. n.d. Web.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Vision Screening for Infants and Children. 2022. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Screening for Professionals. 2021. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Newborn Screening Contingency Plan, Version II, 2017. 2022. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccines and Immunization. 2021. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Newborn Hearing Screening. 2022. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). TB in Children in the United States. Web.
DeWitt, T. G. Urinalysis and Urine Culture. Pediatric Care Online 2020. Web.
Iannelli, V. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Recommendations. 2022. Web.
Rosner, B., Flynn, J. T., & Daya, S. AAP Pediatric Hypertension Guidelines. n.d. MDCalc. Web.
The American Thyroid Association. Pediatric Thyroid Function Tests. n.d. Web.
Xia, M., Yang X., Fu J., Teng Z., Lv Y., & Yu, L. Application of chromosome microarray analysis in prenatal diagnosis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2020; 20(1), 1-11. Web.