Screening tests for infants

Overview |

Overview

Screening infants is important for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of certain conditions that may not have been discovered immediately at birth. Screening is performed by physical examination, usually prior to 18 months of age, to check for normal growth and development.

Immunisation against a variety of diseases is also offered to infants These include diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) – (DTP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (HiB), measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) – (MMR), polio and Group C meningococcus. Hepatitis B vaccine is offered to all babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers. Some of these are series of injections that are started before the age of one year. (See Immunise Australia Program)

For those infants with known risk factors, testing for a variety of other conditions may be appropriate, including iron deficiency, lead poisoning, HIV, hepatitis, and cystic fibrosis.

Screening infants is important for the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of certain conditions that may not have been discovered immediately at birth. Screening is performed at periodic health examinations, usually prior to 18 months of age.