The FDA has previously recommended universal testing, regardless of a child's risk, but this approach may contribute to unwarranted testing, expense, and parent anxiety, the ACR said. It has been urging the FDA to reconsider this strategy.

This updated recommendation impacts children ages three and under; risk factors include prematurity, very low birth weight, and underlying medical conditions that affect thyroid function.

The FDA's recommendation "allows us to proactively protect the at-risk children, while allowing those unlikely to benefit from this well-intended action to avoid unnecessary care, travel, expense, and concern," said Dr. Jonathan Dillman, chair of the ACR's Pediatric Quality and Safety Committee.