Iron is a vital supplement for the growth and normal development in infants. A new born child relies on own body’s iron supply for the first sixth months. If iron supply is inadequate for the infant, then there may be problems with the growth of the body and may affect the Red Blood Cells (RBS).
Infants require an adequate amount of iron supplement for the body. Infants can suffer from anaemia if there is deficiency of iron in the body. If the infant is not treated on time and let the diseases spread, the child may suffer from mental delay, abnormal changes in behavioural development and may affect the health of the child. Iron deficiency causes lots of problems in the long run for the infant. Therefore, screening tests for iron deficiency in infants is important for all parents. Iron deficiency can be found if the baby is born prematurely or have low weight birth.
However, screening test can help us to know the level of iron in the infant’s body and treatment should be given as soon as possible.
Screening test for Lead Poisoning:
Lead is a material which can be found in gasoline, water pipes, canned foods and household paint. In the olden days, lead was used in paints to apply on the walls. It can also affect the soil surrounding the area of lead. Lead Poisoning is very harmful for the brains of an infant. If a child is exposed to lead, it can create behavioural changes and delay in growth and development. Once the infant is six months to 2 years old, parents should ensure to get screening tests done. Screening test can help detect symptoms of lead poisoning (blood lead levels) in an infant. If the infant is screened for lead poisoning, then it can be possible to get a cure at the initial symptoms or signs of lead exposure.
Screening test for Tuberculosis in infants:
Tuberculosis is a disease that can spread quickly in infants. This disease can be transmitted from others. If the pregnant mother is suffering from tuberculosis, then there is a high chance for the baby being affected before birth. It is a large health issue and therefore, it has to be treated as soon as the disease is detected. Infants, who are below 2 years, have weak immune system and therefore there is a high chance being infected with tuberculosis. If screening test is conducted, we can know if the infant is infected with tuberculosis or not. This is one of the routine screening tests which is performed on infants.