Apgar Score
What it checks:
Quick assessment of the baby right after birth
Why it matters:
Provides an immediate evaluation of the baby’s general physical condition right after delivery.
Right after birth (at 1 and 5 minutes)
Clinical Testing & Screening Guide
Tests for Children (0–18 Years): A Parent’s Guide
A parent-friendly clinical guide to understanding which diagnostic and screening tests a child may need from birth through 18 years, what each test evaluates, and how to prepare. This is general information. Your child’s doctor decides which tests are needed.
Tests for Children (0–18 Years): A Parent’s Guide
Dr. Zahoor Hussain Daraz – Medicare Super Speciality Hospital, Karan Nagar, Srinagar
General information. Your child’s doctor decides which tests are needed.
Newborn Tests (0–28 Days)
0–28 daysWhat tests does a newborn need?
Newborn tests evaluate essential health from birth. These include the Apgar score, baseline growth measurements (weight, length, head circumference), hearing and critical congenital heart disease screens, red reflex eye exam, hip exam, and bilirubin checks for jaundice. Blood glucose or blood group/Coombs tests are done for at-risk babies, alongside the newborn metabolic screen.
Note: Exact schedules vary by guideline and by your child's health. Follow your doctor's advice and the national immunisation and screening schedule.
Weight, Length, and Head Circumference
What it checks:
Growth baseline
Why it matters:
Establishes initial physical baseline measurements to track normal infant growth over time.
At birth and newborn visits
Newborn Metabolic Screen (Blood Test)
What it checks:
Screens for conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism (TSH), PKU, CAH, galactosemia, and G6PD. Conditions covered depend on the screening programme. Availability varies, so ask the clinic.
Why it matters:
Helps screen early for specific metabolic conditions like congenital hypothyroidism, PKU, CAH, galactosemia, and G6PD depending on available screening panels.
How it’s done:
Blood spot test
Newborns (availability varies; ask clinic)
Hearing Screen (OAE / ABR)
What it checks:
Screening for hearing function using Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) or Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
Why it matters:
Screens how the newborn hears sound through OAE or ABR methods.
Newborn period before discharge
Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) Screen
What it checks:
Pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart conditions
Why it matters:
Uses pulse oximetry to check blood oxygen levels and screen for critical heart issues.
How it’s done:
Pulse oximetry sensor placed on hand and foot
Newborn period
Red Reflex Eye Exam
What it checks:
Red reflex in the baby’s eyes
Why it matters:
Evaluates the reflection of light from the back of the eyes to check eye clarity.
Newborn examination
Hip Examination
What it checks:
Clinical examination of hip joints
Why it matters:
Checks stability and normal positioning of the newborn hip joints.
Newborn routine physical exam
Bilirubin Check for Jaundice
What it checks:
Bilirubin levels to evaluate for jaundice
Why it matters:
Checks bilirubin to assess and monitor neonatal jaundice.
Newborns showing signs of jaundice or at risk
Blood Glucose
What it checks:
Blood sugar levels in at-risk newborns
Why it matters:
Checks blood glucose levels if the baby is at risk (e.g. low birth weight, mother with diabetes).
If the baby is at risk (e.g. low birth weight, mother with diabetes)
Blood Group and Coombs Test
What it checks:
Blood group and direct Coombs test for maternal-fetal antibody incompatibility
Why it matters:
Checks blood group and antibodies if the mother has type O blood or is Rh-negative.
If the mother is blood group O or Rh-negative
Infancy to 5 Years
1 month – 5 yearsWhat tests and checks are done from infancy to 5 years?
From infancy to age five, routine checks focus on growth and developmental milestones. These include plotting weight, height, and head circumference on growth charts, developmental screening (Denver, ASQ), autism screening (M-CHAT at 18–24 months), anaemia checks (haemoglobin, ferritin around 9–12 months), vision, hearing, blood pressure from age 3, dental reviews, and lead tests if risk exists.
Note: Exact schedules vary by guideline and by your child's health. Follow your doctor's advice and the national immunisation and screening schedule.
Growth and Head Circumference Charting
What it checks:
Growth and head circumference plotted on growth charts
Why it matters:
Plots physical measurements on growth charts to follow development over time.
At every visit
Developmental Screening (e.g. Denver, ASQ)
What it checks:
Developmental milestones and skills using tools such as Denver or ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaires)
Why it matters:
Screens child development and milestones across physical, language, and social areas.
Routine pediatric visits from infancy to 5 years
Autism Screening (M-CHAT)
What it checks:
Autism spectrum screening using the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT)
Why it matters:
Identifies behavioral and communication patterns that may warrant further evaluation.
At 18–24 months
Haemoglobin and Ferritin
What it checks:
Blood haemoglobin and ferritin levels for anaemia and iron stores
Why it matters:
Checks red blood cell counts and body iron reserves to identify iron deficiency or anaemia.
At about 9–12 months; repeated if risk factors exist
Vision and Hearing Checks
What it checks:
Visual acuity and auditory response
Why it matters:
Assesses sight and hearing function as the child grows.
Routine wellness visits
Blood Pressure
What it checks:
Resting blood pressure
Why it matters:
Monitors routine cardiovascular blood pressure readings.
From age 3 onward during routine checkups
Dental Review
What it checks:
Tooth eruption, gums, and oral health
Why it matters:
Reviews dental growth and early dental health.
Routine checkups
Lead Level
What it checks:
Blood lead concentration
Why it matters:
Checks blood lead levels if potential environmental lead exposure exists.
Only where there is exposure risk
Middle Childhood (6–12 Years)
6–12 yearsWhat health tests are done for children aged 6 to 12 years?
For school-age children between 6 and 12 years, recommended assessments track growth, vision, and developing risk factors. These include height, weight, BMI, blood pressure, vision and hearing evaluations, scoliosis checks starting around age 10, lipid screening once between 9 and 11 years (or earlier with family history), and diabetes screening in overweight children with risk factors.
Note: Exact schedules vary by guideline and by your child's health. Follow your doctor's advice and the national immunisation and screening schedule.
Height, Weight, BMI, and Blood Pressure
What it checks:
Physical growth, body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure
Why it matters:
Monitors physical growth percentiles, weight category, and blood pressure in school-aged children.
Annual or routine school-age checkups
Vision and Hearing
What it checks:
Vision clarity and hearing acuity
Why it matters:
Checks sensory function important for classroom learning and everyday development.
Routine checkups during school years
Scoliosis Check
What it checks:
Spinal alignment and curvature
Why it matters:
Screens the curvature of the spine during growth periods.
From about age 10
Lipid Screening
What it checks:
Blood lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides)
Why it matters:
Screens blood fat levels to identify dyslipidemia early.
Once at 9–11 years, or earlier if there is a family history
Diabetes Screening
What it checks:
Blood glucose levels for diabetes screening
Why it matters:
Checks blood sugar regulation in children with elevated weight and risk indicators.
In overweight children with risk factors
Adolescents (12–18 Years)
12–18 yearsWhat health screenings do adolescents need?
Adolescent health checks address physical, emotional, and laboratory parameters. Routine evaluations include BMI, blood pressure, vision, hearing, scoliosis, and substance-use screening. Depression and anxiety are screened using the PHQ-A questionnaire. Haemoglobin is checked in menstruating girls, a repeat lipid screen is done at 17–18 years, and HIV/STI screening is conducted only when clinically indicated.
Note: Exact schedules vary by guideline and by your child's health. Follow your doctor's advice and the national immunisation and screening schedule.
BMI and Blood Pressure
What it checks:
Body mass index and blood pressure
Why it matters:
Tracks adolescent growth patterns, body mass index, and blood pressure.
Routine adolescent visits
Depression and Anxiety Screening (PHQ-A)
What it checks:
Mood and emotional symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A)
Why it matters:
Assesses mental health and emotional well-being using a standardized questionnaire.
Adolescent health evaluations
Haemoglobin
What it checks:
Haemoglobin levels for anaemia
Why it matters:
Checks red blood cell levels to identify anaemia in girls after starting menstrual cycles.
In menstruating girls
Repeat Lipid Screening
What it checks:
Blood cholesterol and lipid levels
Why it matters:
Re-evaluates blood lipids as adolescents approach adulthood.
At 17–18 years
HIV and STI Screening
What it checks:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus and sexually transmitted infections
Why it matters:
Screens for specific infections when deemed necessary based on clinical evaluation.
Only when clinically indicated
Vision, Hearing, Scoliosis, and Substance-Use Screening
What it checks:
Vision, hearing acuity, spine curvature, and substance-use screening
Why it matters:
Provides comprehensive screening across sensory function, posture, and risk behaviors.
Routine adolescent consultations
When a Child is Sick
First-line tests ordered by the doctorWhat tests are ordered when a child is sick?
When a child is ill, the doctor may order targeted first-line diagnostic tests based on symptoms and physical exam. Common tests include CBC, CRP, and procalcitonin for infection markers; blood glucose and electrolytes; urine routine, microscopy, and culture for fever without a source; chest X-ray for suspected pneumonia; stool, malaria, or dengue tests; and blood cultures if sepsis is suspected.
CBC, CRP, and Procalcitonin
What it checks:
Complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and sometimes procalcitonin
Why it matters:
Evaluates white and red blood cells, platelets, and inflammatory markers associated with infection or inflammation.
When a child is sick and evaluated for acute infection or illness
Blood Glucose and Electrolytes
What it checks:
Blood sugar and electrolyte balance (such as sodium and potassium)
Why it matters:
Checks energy levels and hydration/salt balance when a child is unwell.
When a child is sick or dehydrated
Urine Routine, Microscopy, and Culture
What it checks:
Urine analysis and bacterial culture
Why it matters:
Checks for urinary tract infection when a child has an unexplained fever.
Fever without a clear source
Chest X-Ray
What it checks:
Radiographic imaging of the lungs and chest cavity
Why it matters:
Visualizes the lungs to check for lung inflammation or pneumonia.
Suspected pneumonia or significant respiratory symptoms
Stool Tests; Malaria or Dengue Tests
What it checks:
Stool examination; malaria or dengue antigen/antibody testing where relevant to the area
Why it matters:
Evaluates gastrointestinal infections or mosquito-borne illnesses based on local relevance and symptoms.
Where relevant to the area and patient symptoms
Blood Culture
What it checks:
Presence of bacteria or pathogens in the bloodstream
Why it matters:
Screens for severe bacterial blood infections.
If sepsis is suspected
NICU (Newborn Intensive Care)
Newborn intensive care unitWhat tests are done in the NICU?
In the NICU, tests are performed to monitor and stabilize vulnerable or premature infants. These include sepsis workups (CBC, CRP, blood culture, lumbar puncture if needed), total and direct bilirubin with protocol-guided phototherapy or exchange transfusion, blood gases, glucose, electrolytes, organ panels, imaging (X-ray, cranial ultrasound, echocardiography), ROP eye screening, bone health tests, continuous vital monitoring, and pre-discharge screening.
Sepsis Workup
What it checks:
CBC, CRP, blood culture, and lumbar puncture if needed
Why it matters:
Thoroughly investigates bacterial infection in newborns admitted to intensive care.
NICU babies evaluated for potential or suspected sepsis
Jaundice Evaluation (Total and Direct Bilirubin)
What it checks:
Total and direct serum bilirubin; phototherapy or exchange transfusion decisions made by age and weight per protocol
Why it matters:
Monitors specific bilirubin fractions to guide medical decisions such as phototherapy or exchange transfusion per protocol.
NICU infants with hyperbilirubinemia or jaundice
Blood Gas, Glucose, Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium
What it checks:
Arterial or venous blood gas, blood sugar, and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium)
Why it matters:
Monitors respiratory status, acid-base equilibrium, glucose, and key mineral salts.
NICU patient monitoring as indicated
Kidney Function, Liver Function, and Coagulation Profile
What it checks:
Kidney tests, liver enzymes and bilirubin, and blood clotting parameters
Why it matters:
Evaluates critical organ systems and clotting ability in intensive care infants.
NICU patients as clinically indicated
Imaging (Chest X-Ray, Cranial Ultrasound, Echocardiography)
What it checks:
Chest X-ray, cranial ultrasound (preterm babies, repeated as needed), and echocardiography (PDA, heart defects)
Why it matters:
Visualizes the lungs, brain structures (especially in premature infants), and heart defects or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).
Preterm babies and infants with cardiac or respiratory concerns
ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) Eye Screening
What it checks:
Retinal blood vessel development for retinopathy of prematurity
Why it matters:
Screens the retinas of vulnerable infants to detect abnormal blood vessel growth early.
Preterm and low-birth-weight babies, per unit protocol
Preterm Bone Health (Alkaline Phosphatase and Phosphate)
What it checks:
Alkaline phosphatase and serum phosphate levels
Why it matters:
Monitors mineral status and bone mineralization in premature infants.
Preterm infants in the NICU
Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring
What it checks:
Heart rate, SpO2 (oxygen saturation), temperature, and blood pressure
Why it matters:
Provides continuous, real-time tracking of critical physiological vital signs.
All babies admitted to the NICU
Discharge Hearing and Metabolic Screening
What it checks:
Hearing screen before discharge, plus the newborn metabolic screen
Why it matters:
Ensures essential hearing and metabolic screenings are completed prior to transitioning home.
Before discharge from the NICU
PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care)
Critical illness in older infants to adolescentsWhat tests are conducted in the PICU?
The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) manages severe and life-threatening conditions in children. Tests include blood gas with lactate, glucose, and full electrolytes; CBC, coagulation, kidney and liver panels; cultures and inflammation markers (CRP, procalcitonin); cardiac tests (ECG, echo/POCUS, troponin, BNP); imaging (chest X-ray, CT, MRI); EEG for seizures or altered consciousness; metabolic workups; and continuous multi-parameter monitoring.
Blood Gas with Lactate, Glucose, and Full Electrolytes
What it checks:
Blood gas with lactate, glucose, and full electrolytes (including calcium, magnesium, phosphate)
Why it matters:
Assesses oxygenation, cellular perfusion via lactate, blood sugar, and essential electrolytes.
Critically ill children admitted to the PICU
CBC, Coagulation, Kidney and Liver Function
What it checks:
Complete blood count, clotting profiles, and renal and hepatic function tests
Why it matters:
Evaluates major organ function, hematologic status, and bleeding risks in critical illness.
PICU patients as clinically indicated
Blood and Other Cultures, CRP, Procalcitonin
What it checks:
Blood and bodily fluid cultures, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin
Why it matters:
Identifies systemic bacterial infections and monitors severe inflammatory responses.
PICU patients evaluated for severe infection or sepsis
ECG, Echocardiography / POCUS, Troponin or BNP
What it checks:
Electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography / point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), troponin or BNP (brain natriuretic peptide)
Why it matters:
Evaluates heart rhythm, cardiac pumping function, and heart muscle markers.
When cardiac concerns or circulatory instability exist
Chest X-Ray; CT or MRI as Indicated
What it checks:
Chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Why it matters:
Provides advanced diagnostic imaging for lungs, brain trauma, seizures, or vascular events.
Indicated for head trauma, seizures, stroke, or severe pulmonary illness
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
What it checks:
Electrical activity of the brain
Why it matters:
Records brain electrical patterns to evaluate seizures or changes in consciousness.
For seizures or altered consciousness
Ammonia, Ketones, and Metabolic Workup
What it checks:
Serum ammonia, ketones, and specialized metabolic testing
Why it matters:
Screens for underlying metabolic conditions or acute metabolic decompensation.
If a metabolic disorder is suspected
Continuous Multi-Parameter Monitoring
What it checks:
Heart rate, SpO2, blood pressure, urine output, and sometimes invasive lines
Why it matters:
Maintains round-the-clock observation of vital organ performance and fluid balance.
All patients in the PICU
Personalised Clinical Assessment
Which Tests Does MY Child Need?
Every child is unique. Avoid unnecessary testing and ensure appropriate, evidence-based evaluations with Dr. Zahoor Hussain Daraz at Medicare Super Speciality Hospital, Srinagar.
Clinic & Consultation Facility
View on Google MapsClinic Location & Timings
Clinic Address
Medicare Superspeciality Hospital, Kaksarai, Karan Nagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190010
Consultation Hours
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Direct Contact
Parent Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general parental educational information and does not replace individualized clinical evaluation, formal diagnosis, or medical treatment. Specific testing decisions must be made in consultation with your treating pediatrician.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-03
Related Pediatric Guides & Clinical Tools
Newborn Care Guide (0–6M)
Jaundice, cord care, safe sleep, and feeding
Growth & Development Assessment
Milestone tracking and developmental support
Vaccination & Immunisation
IAP & WHO birth to 16 years vaccine schedules
WHO Growth Percentile Calculator
Instant WHO weight, height, and head size percentiles
Book Clinic Appointment
Consult Dr. Zahoor at Medicare Hospital, Srinagar