What are U-examinations?
U-examinations are various preventive examinations for children. The aim of preventive check-ups is the early detection of various diseases and developmental disorders that can be cured or at least alleviated by early treatment. To this end, the doctor examines the child at set times using various tests.
The results and findings of a U-examination are documented in a yellow child examination booklet or screening booklet. This gives the pediatrician a good overview of the child’s development to date at each appointment – parents should therefore be sure to bring the booklet with them to all U-examinations.
U-examinations: Compulsory or voluntary?
Since 2008 and 2009, some of the U examinations (U1 to U9) have been mandatory in Bavaria, Hesse and Baden-Württemberg. In Bavaria, parents even have to provide proof of the medical check-ups when registering their child for daycare or school. The obligation to visit the doctor is not only intended to detect illnesses as early as possible; it is also intended to detect cases of neglect and child abuse more quickly.
Which U-examinations are there?
There are a total of twelve different children’s examinations up to the age of ten; for older children and adolescents, there are the so-called J examinations. Each screening involves different tests. What they all have in common, however, is the determination of weight and height. The costs for the U1 to U9 examinations (including U7a) are covered by both statutory and private health insurance companies.
The subsequent examinations, i.e. U10 and U11, are not yet reimbursed by all health insurance companies. However, according to the Conference of Health Ministers in fall 2020, it is planned that these will also become statutory health insurance benefits.
U-examinations: Baby and toddler (U1 to U9)
Further information: U1 examination
To find out what the doctor does during the U1 examination and what vitamin K is all about, read the article U1 examination.
Further information: U2 examination
You can find out when the U2 examination takes place and what tests your child can expect in the article U2 examination.
The other U examinations no longer take place in hospital. Parents must make an appointment with the pediatrician for this. As the U examinations are sometimes time-consuming, it is advisable to make appointments well in advance.
Further information: U3 examination
You can find out when the U3 examination takes place and why it is so important in the article U3 examination.
Further information: U4 examination
Further information: U5 examination
You can find out when your child needs to have an U5 examination and what the doctor will examine in the article U5 examination.
Further information: U6 examination
You can find out why the U6 examination is important and which illnesses the doctor will test your child for in the article U6 examination.
Further information: U7 examination
Find out when the U7 examination is carried out and what tests your child can expect in the article U7 examination.
Further information: U8 examination
If you want to know how the U8 examination works, read the article U8 examination.
Further information: U9 examination
To find out what the pediatrician checks at the U9 examination and when it takes place, read the article U9 examination.
Two additional U examinations are currently offered for children from the age of seven: The U10 at the age of seven to eight and the U11 at the age of nine to ten. These cover preventive care at primary school age.
Further information: U10 examination
You can find out how the U10 examination differs from the other screening examinations in the article U10 examination.
Further information: U11 examination
You can find out when the U11 examination is carried out and how it works in the article U11 examination.
U examinations: Overview
|
U-examination |
age |
This is being examined: |
|
U1 |
directly after birth |
|
|
U2 |
3rd to 10th day of life |
|
|
U3 |
4th to 5th week of life |
|
|
U4 |
3rd to 4th month of life |
|
|
U5 |
6th to 7th month of life |
|
|
U6 |
10th to 12th month of life |
|
|
U7 |
21. to 24. month of life |
|
|
U7a |
||
|
U8 |
46th to 48th month of life |
|
|
U9 |
60th to 64th month of life |
|
|
U10 |
7th to 8th year of life |
|
|
U11 |
9th to 10th year |
The same examination periods apply to premature babies. However, their results are interpreted differently.
Special screening examinations
Apart from the U-examinations, special screening examinations take place in hospital shortly after birth. These are voluntary and free of charge:
- Screening for critical congenital heart defects using pulse oximetry is usually carried out on the 2nd day of life (at the latest at U2).
- The so-called newborn hearing screening can detect hearing disorders at a very early stage. Specialists regularly carry it out up to the 3rd day of life.
In addition, the so-called school enrolment examination (school entrance examination) takes place before the child starts school. Pediatricians from the public health department (school doctors) usually examine the children, check their hearing and eyesight and test their motor skills and coordination. Ultimately, the aim is to assess whether the child is ready for school.
What do the results of U examinations mean?
The child’s blood is tested for congenital metabolic and hormonal disorders as early as U2. This is particularly important as these congenital disorders must be treated as early as possible with a special diet or hormone therapy. Otherwise, the child may suffer permanent damage.
If the child shows signs of developmental disorders, it is important to provide targeted support. Possible measures include occupational therapy or speech therapy (speech therapy). In some cases, the doctor may also recommend attending a special kindergarten. Many of the milder developmental disorders can be compensated for through exercise. The success of the therapy measures introduced can then be checked in the course of further examinations.