Screening & diagnostics

Core screening & diagnostics

1.4.2 Postnatal and childhood screening

Postnatal and early childhood screening can identify potential health issues early on. Key public health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), and the UK National Screening Committee provide guidance on these screenings, which may vary by country.

Newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE): Within the first 72 hours and again at 6-8 weeks, newborns are screened for issues with their eyes, heart, hips, and, in boys, testes (UK National Screening Committee, 2025).

Newborn blood spot screening (Heel prick test): This test, typically performed at 5 days of age, screens for rare genetic and metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and cystic fibrosis. Early treatment can prevent severe disability. (NHS)

Newborn hearing screening: Recommended to identify hearing loss early, which is crucial for language and developmental progress. (NHS)

Developmental screenings: Regular well-child visits include checks for growth, motor skills, speech, and social development.

Growth and development: Height, weight, and BMI are checked at every visit to monitor for healthy growth and address potential issues like obesity.

Vision and hearing screenings: Regular checks are important as vision and hearing problems, eg for amblyopia at age 3-5, can impact learning and social development, (Nemours KidsHealth)

  1. 1.1 Introduction
  2. 1.2 Strategy
    1. 1.2.1 Considerations by age group
  3. 1.3 Policy
    1. 1.3.1 Policy interventions
  4. 1.4 Private sector
    1. 1.4.1 Prenatal screening
    2. 1.4.2 Postnatal and childhood screening
    3. 1.4.3 Clinical health screening
    4. 1.4.4 Screening for old age disorders
    5. 1.4.5 Self-examinations
    6. 1.4.6 Screening for high risk individuals