When might anemia screening be considered earlier than the routine 9-12 months?

• A. There are risk factors such as prematurity or chronic illness
• B. No risk factors
• C. Only after 2 years
• D. Only if there is a family history of color blindness

Answer: (A)

Anemia screening timing in infancy is guided by risk factors; while routine screening is planned around 9–12 months, higher‑risk infants may be screened earlier to catch iron deficiency before it affects development. Premature infants often have lower iron stores at birth because placental transfer of iron largely happens in the later stages of pregnancy, and chronic illnesses can increase iron needs or cause anemia of inflammation. Because these factors raise the risk for iron deficiency, screening sooner allows timely detection and treatment to protect neurodevelopment. If there are no risk factors, sticking with routine screening at 9–12 months is appropriate. Waiting until after 2 years could miss iron deficiency during a critical period, and a family history of color blindness is unrelated to anemia screening.