Iron deficiency anemia prevalence in the population determines whether a screening program should be universal or selective. Several factors have contributed to a significant decline in the incidence of anemia in the first year of life, including increased availability, acceptance, and use of iron-fortified formulas, iron-fortified foods, and increased awareness of dietary iron supplementation. In children between the ages of 1 and 2 years, iron deficiency and ensuing anemia remain significant problems. It may take several weeks to months for anemia secondary to iron deficiency to develop, even after the cessation of or inadequate iron intake. It is inappropriate to screen hemoglobin at 9 to 12 months of age for children who have received or are receiving iron-fortified infant formula and foods since there may not have been sufficient time for anemia to develop.
 
Communities and children at risk should continue to screen for anemia before or around 1 year of age. If toddlers are screened universally at a later age, nutritional anemia can be detected once they have been weaned off iron-fortified formula, toddler dietary fads can be evaluated, and cow’s milk protein tolerance can be evaluated. Two approaches may be taken to address this issue. As a first step, screening for anemia should be postponed or an additional screening should be performed between the ages of 15 and 18 months. In children who are iron-deficient but not anemic, hemoglobin (or hematocrit) is not an accurate measure of their risk of iron deficiency. In addition to the long-term psychomotor, behavioral, and developmental effects of iron deficiency anemia, sufficient research is lacking regarding the role of iron deficiency without anemia.

Anemia caused by iron deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough iron.
Anemia is characterized by a low number of red blood cells. The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin is made by the body using an iron. A lack of iron leads to a reduction in hemoglobin and red blood cells, which causes anemia.

In children, hemoglobin and hematocrit are often the first screening tests for anemia. Hemoglobin and red blood cells are measured. Red and white blood cells, blood clotting cells (platelets), and young red blood cells (reticulocytes) are all checked during a complete blood count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are included, along with more details about the red blood cells. During peripheral smears, a small sample of blood is examined under a microscope. The blood cells are examined to determine if they are normal. An iron study is a blood test that can determine how much iron is in your child.

For patients at risk, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends screening for anemia between the ages of 9 and 12 months and between the ages of 1 and 5 years.

Simple blood tests can diagnose anemia most of the time. Children often have no symptoms of anemia, which is why routine anemia screenings are conducted. All infants under 12 months of age should have a hemoglobin blood test for anemia. A risk assessment should also be included in the screening to identify risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia. Poor growth, feeding problems, and special healthcare needs are all risk factors. More blood tests are done if the hemoglobin level is low. At any age, blood tests are performed to see if your child has a risk factor. Anemia blood tests may also be performed during routine physical examinations or checkups in children of any age.
 
Pediatric anemia screening is offered at Olivero Pediatrics. We are conveniently located at 1243 Skytop Mountain Rd. Suite 4, Port Matilda, PA 16870. For more information, please call us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Port Matilda PA, Waddle, PA, Julian PA, State College PA, Bellefonte PA, Pennsylvania Furnace PA, and Pine Grove Mills PA.