How often does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend screening for iron deficiency anemia?

How often does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend screening for iron deficiency anemia?

• A. Once between 9 and 12 months for all infants
• B. Once between 2 and 6 years in all children
• C. Once a year in all adolescents
• D. Yearly if a child drinks >24 ounces of milk per day

Answer: (A)

Screening for iron deficiency anemia is most effective when timed to the period of highest risk for developing deficiency after infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a universal screen once between 9 and 12 months using a simple blood test to measure hemoglobin or hematocrit, so iron status can be checked before anemia affects development. Detecting IDA early allows prompt iron therapy and dietary adjustments to prevent potential impacts on neurodevelopment. Other schedules—screening later in early childhood or adolescence for all children, or screening only yearly based on high cow’s milk intake—do not reflect this universal 9–12 month timing.

Screening for iron deficiency anemia is most effective when timed to the period of highest risk for developing deficiency after infancy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a universal screen once between 9 and 12 months using a simple blood test to measure hemoglobin or hematocrit, so iron status can be checked before anemia affects development. Detecting IDA early allows prompt iron therapy and dietary adjustments to prevent potential impacts on neurodevelopment. Other schedules—screening later in early childhood or adolescence for all children, or screening only yearly based on high cow’s milk intake—do not reflect this universal 9–12 month timing.