OrganizationRecommendationsHigh-risk groups
American Academy of PediatricsScreening is recommended at 9 to 12 months of age and again 6 months later for all infants in populations with high rates of iron deficiency, or (in populations with a rate of 5 percent or less) in infants with medical risks or whose diet puts them at risk of iron deficiency
  • Premature infants

  • Low–birth-weight infants

  • Infants fed low-iron formula

  • Breastfed infants older than 6 months who are not receiving iron supplementation

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionScreening is recommended for children from low-income or newly immigrated families between 9 and 12 months of age, then 6 months later, then annually from 2 to 5 years of age
  • Infants fed non–iron-fortified formula or cow's milk before 12 months of age

  • Breastfed infants older than 6 months without adequate iron supplementation

  • Children who consume more than 24 oz of cow's milk per day

  • Children with special health care needs (e.g., medications that interfere with iron absorption, chronic infection, inflammatory disorders, blood loss)

Screening should be considered for preterm and low–birth-weight infants before 6 months of age if they are not fed iron-fortified formula
Infants and young children with risk factors should be assessed at 9 to 12 months of age, and again 6 months later
Beginning in adolescence, all nonpregnant women should be screened every 5 to 10 years
U.S. Preventive Services Task ForceNo recommendation for or against screening for iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic children 6 to 12 months of age
  • Premature infants

  • Low–birth-weight infants

  • Recent immigrants

  • Adolescent girls who follow fad diets or who are obese

  • Adult females

Screening at 9 to 12 months of age is recommended for high-risk infants