Routine exams of children ‘inconsistent’
 According to the National Screening Committee (NSC) there is inconsistency in the content of examinations of very young children, who carries it out, the timeliness and referral pathways.
It says: “Although the physical examination in toto cannot be considered a screening test, there are components that are screening tests, ie examination of the testes, hips, heart/cardiovascular system and eyes. We are currently reviewing the physical examination and in due course will be producing guidelines and standards.”
Current NSC advice is that the use of ultrasound screening of babies’ hips should not be routine. However, it says that ultrasound screening is recommended, where a baby:
- Has been found to have an abnormality of the hips on examination
- Irrespective of clincial findings, was a breech presentation or has a family history suggestive of developmental dysplasia of the hip.
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