Preparing a child for school includes not only purchasing school supplies and uniforms, but also a mandatory medical examination. Undergoing a medical examination and taking tests before starting school is an important step that helps parents and doctors assess the child's readiness for new challenges.
Why should a child take tests before school?
Laboratory diagnostics before the start of the school year has two main goals:- helps to assess the child's general health and the peculiarities of the functioning of internal organs, to identify and timely correct hidden diseases, deficiencies (e.g., anemia), and inflammatory processes that may be asymptomatic;
- reduces the risks of spreading diseases within the school community, where children are in close contact.
What are the requirements for a school in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, there is no single approved regulatory document that would clearly define the list of mandatory tests for all children before entering school. Instead, there are general recommendations from the Ministry of Health, as well as established medical practice that doctors are guided by.
Approaches of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine
The main emphasis is on a comprehensive assessment of the child's physical condition.
The role of a medical certificate for school
Medical certificate form 086/o is an official document confirming that the child has undergone a medical examination and can attend school. The results of laboratory tests are an integral part of the medical certificate. Without current tests, the doctor cannot reliably assess the child's health and give permission for study.
Who sends the child for tests?
A referral for laboratory tests at a state polyclinic is issued by a family doctor or pediatrician with whom the declaration is signed. During the consultation, the doctor conducts an initial examination, collects anamnesis, assesses the general state of health and determines the necessary volume of tests. If the child has chronic diseases, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to clarify the diagnosis.
You can take tests at a private laboratory without a referral. In this case, you will be able to avoid queues, provide the child with the most comfortable conditions, and get results faster.
Mandatory tests before school in Ukraine
Although there is no officially approved list, there is a basic set of tests that are most often requested by schools and recommended by doctors. This list includes four main studies that provide the most complete picture of the child's health: a complete blood count , a complete urine test , feces for helminth eggs, and a scraping for enterobiasis . This list may vary depending on the individual characteristics of the child, the presence of chronic diseases, and the recommendations of specialized specialists.
Complete blood count
This is the “gold standard” of diagnostics – one of the most informative studies that allows you to assess the general condition of the child’s body. The analysis shows the level of hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and other important indicators. Based on the results of the study, the doctor can detect signs of anemia, inflammatory processes, allergic reactions and decreased immunity.
A medical certificate for school is not just a formal document, but the result of a comprehensive assessment of the child's health. Without current tests, it is impossible to give an objective conclusion.
General urine analysis
A urine test helps assess the functioning of your child's urinary system. Abnormal results may indicate urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder inflammation, metabolic disorders, or other pathologies that require additional examination and treatment.
Stool for helminth eggs
This test is performed to rule out parasitic diseases. Timely detection of parasites allows for effective treatment and prevents their spread among classmates.
Scraping for enterobiasis
Mandatory analysis for all children's groups to prevent infections. Enterobiasis is a disease caused by pinworms. This is the most common parasitic infection in children's groups, which is easily transmitted through household means.
Blood sugar analysis
This is a critically important study for the early detection of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This analysis is especially necessary for children with a hereditary predisposition to diabetes, overweight and complaints of constant thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Timely diagnosis allows for timely adjustment of nutrition, lifestyle and, if necessary, to begin treatment.
Additional tests as indicated
Depending on the child's medical history, the doctor or school administration may recommend additional laboratory tests in addition to the basic list. For example, if diabetes is suspected , a blood glucose test is prescribed, if liver function is impaired - a biochemical blood test, if there is a tendency to allergies - determination of the level of immunoglobulin E. Children with chronic diseases need regular monitoring by specialized specialists.
Validity of tests in Ukraine
It is important to remember that laboratory tests have a limited validity period (10-30 days). This is due to the fact that the child's health can change quickly, and parasitic infections have a short incubation period. Therefore, parents should plan to take the tests 1-2 weeks before visiting the pediatrician to obtain a medical certificate.
Where to take tests for school
Parents can choose one of two options for taking the tests: at a state polyclinic at the place of attachment of the child or at a private laboratory. State medical institutions conduct the necessary tests free of charge upon referral from a family doctor, but this may require more time due to queues and laboratory work schedules.
By contacting a private clinic, you will receive:- comfortable conditions without unnecessary stress;
- no queues and booking at a convenient time;
- modern painless blood sampling methods;
- quick receipt of results by email.