The physical examination must include weight, height and percentile; international child growth charts can be found here. [www.who.int/childgrowth/en] The date of birth given by the legal guardians might be incorrect due to miscalculation of time or due to other reasons. Children should always receive a whole-body examination with a special focus on injuries or signs of abuse. Even though it is important to understand and respect cultural constraints against undressing, it is important to do the examination, but to continue the inspection in a discreet manner.
- Clinical examination inclusive of skin-lesions, lymphadenopathy,
hepato-splenomegaly, cough, oedema - Screening for tuberculosis, according to recommendations
- Basic laboratory testing:
- Whole blood count, including differential
- Mentzer Index: MCV/RBC (x 106/ul)
< 13 suspicious of thalassemia,
> 13 suspicious of iron deficiency - CRP
- GPT, gamma-GT, AP, Kreatinin, TSH
- HIV1 + 2 – antibodies
- Hepatitis C and A – antibodies
- Hepatitis B: HBc- and HBs – antibodies, HBs – antigen
- Urine stix
- Screening for dental pain/ caries and possible referral
- Age-appropriate Screening for visual impairment and possible referral