There are certain tests that need to be conducted at regular intervals to monitor healthy development in children and to ensure early diagnosis of potential health issues. These tests can vary based on the child's age, genetic factors in the family, and current health status. Basic tests to be conducted in children include blood tests, urine analysis, vision and hearing tests, bone density measurements, growth monitoring, and vaccination schedule review. Health screenings starting from the newborn period can help identify health problems that children might face in the future.
Heel Blood Screening
The newborn heel blood screening test is a screening test that helps in the early diagnosis of congenital diseases in infants. Conducted in the initial days post-birth, this test allows for early identification of genetic diseases such as phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, and biotinidase deficiency.
Between 48 and 72 hours after birth, a few drops of blood are taken from the heels of babies using a needle of specified size, and these blood samples are sent to the lab for examination.
-
Biotinidase Deficiency: Biotinidase deficiency is a genetic disorder. If not diagnosed early, biotinidase deficiency can lead to complications such as hair loss, hearing loss, and neurological disorders.
-
Congenital Hypothyroidism: This is a condition that can occur from birth due to a deficiency of thyroid hormones. If not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to developmental delays and serious issues like a lack of intellectual capacity.
-
Cystic Fibrosis: Affects the exocrine glands, leading to the secretion of a thick and sticky fluid. Cystic fibrosis affects many organs in the body, particularly the lungs and the digestive system. Early diagnosis can prevent complications associated with the disease.
-
Phenylketonuria: Phenylketonuria is an inherited disorder caused by a build-up of the amino acid phenylalanine, which cannot be metabolized in the body. If not diagnosed early, the accumulation of phenylalanine in the brain and other tissues can lead to various health problems, including mental retardation.
Newborn Hearing Test
The newborn hearing test is a screening test conducted to evaluate the hearing senses of infants after birth. The test is important for determining the baby's ability to hear at an early stage and to ensure timely interventions. The newborn hearing test is typically conducted in the first days or weeks after the baby is born.
For hearing tests in newborns, the Automatic Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) method is preferred. In this method, small and soft earphones are used to send sound waves to the baby's ear, and the baby's response to this sound is measured. If the baby does not exhibit a suitable reaction to the sound, the test may be repeated, or a different test using the Alternate Brain Response (ABR) method may be conducted. Depending on the test results, if the baby does not respond appropriately to sound, the family is referred to the appropriate unit for a more detailed assessment.
Eye Examination
Eye health is a factor that directly affects a child's academic success and daily life. Conducting the first eye examination during the newborn period allows for early recognition of diseases such as congenital cataracts, glaucoma, or retinopathy.
The second eye examination for infants can be conducted between 6 to 12 months old. At this stage, in addition to what is examined during the newborn period, eye movements should be analyzed. Additionally, the presence of eye alignment issues such as strabismus in the infant should be checked.
The third eye examination should be conducted when the child is between 1 and 3 years old, assessing conditions such as lazy eye, alongside previous examinations.
The next eye examination for children between the ages of 3 to 5 can be carried out. In this age group, in addition to evaluating eye movements and alignment issues, refractive problems such as myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism should also be considered.
After the age of 5, if there are any issues related to the eye, children should be brought to a doctor for an eye examination.
Developmental Screening Test
The developmental screening test for children is an important tool that allows for the monitoring of a child's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. The test aims to identify potential delays or issues early by tracking development milestones determined as appropriate for a child's age.
Developmental screening tests generally evaluate areas such as the child's mental abilities, motor skills, language development, emotional behaviors, and social interaction capabilities. Through these tests, a child's strengths can be identified, and weaknesses can be highlighted, facilitating referral to support programs if necessary.
Blood Tests
Blood tests in children are frequently conducted for health screening and diagnostic purposes. Blood tests are generally applied to evaluate a child's overall health status, identify infections, detect vitamin deficiencies, and uncover conditions like anemia.
For babies born at full term, a blood test can be conducted for iron deficiency between 9-12 months, and for preterm babies, between 5-6 months.
It should not be forgotten that the risk of high blood cholesterol is not restricted to adults and can be seen in children as well. To prevent the risk of future cardiovascular diseases, it is recommended to conduct cholesterol testing at least twice, at ages 9-11 and then at ages 17-21.
Frequently Asked Questions
What diseases can the newborn heel blood screening reveal?
The newborn heel blood screening can provide an early diagnosis of certain metabolic and hormonal diseases such as phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, biotinidase deficiency, and cystic fibrosis. Through this test, diseases without symptoms can be quickly identified and necessary treatments can be initiated to prevent permanent damage.
When can the newborn hearing test be conducted?
The newborn hearing test is typically conducted within the first 48–72 hours after birth and can be completed quickly while the baby is asleep. Early diagnosis of hearing loss is an essential step in supporting speech and language development.
How often should eye examinations be conducted in children?
The first eye examination can be conducted during the newborn period, followed by checks at six months, 1 year, and during the preschool period. These regular exams can facilitate the early diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as strabismus and lazy eye.
Are developmental screening tests mandatory?
Developmental screening tests are important for closely monitoring a child's development. Regular screenings make it possible to detect delays in mental, motor, and social areas early on and assist in planning supportive programs.