As you know, bloodwork or a hemoglobin test is required for WIC certifications. This is for pregnant women , children and infants, initially certified at 9 months or older.

Let’s take a look at some additional information you’ll need to know about women, children and infants:

• Infants: WIC Federal Regulations require this test be done by 12 months of age (ideally between 9-12 months) because infants are born with enough iron stores to last up to six months of age.

• Children: done once between 12 and 24 months. If the value is normal, the test can be done annually. If below normal, the test must be done every six months, until a normal value is obtained.

• Pregnant women: bloodwork is required at the pregnancy certification. Another blood test is not required until they are certified again after the pregnancy ends.

• Postpartum and breastfeeding women: bloodwork is required after the end of pregnancy. Typically, this will be done at their certification after delivery, unless the result is coming from an outside source. The CDC recommends that the bloodwork is taken at least 4 weeks after the pregnancy ended.