Abstract: As part of a series of studies authorized by Congress and conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) was conducted (similarly to NHANES I). Information on dietary intake patterns was collected and various hematological and biochemical tests, anthropometric measurements, and clinical assessments were made. An important change in approach to nutritional assessments was to investigate anemia in more detail than in NHANES I. Other major target conditions are described. Topics covered are: the sample design for NHANES II, operational plan, quality control, pilot testing and plan for analysis and publication of data. Appendixes include forms used by survey personnel. (rkm).

Describes the plan and operation of the third National Health and Nutrition Survey. The sample for this study of the U.S. population was selected from households in 81 counties across the United States. About 40,000 persons 2 months of age and over were selected, including large samples of both young and old persons. About 12,000 of the sample persons were black Americans, 12,000 were Mexican-Americans, and the remaining 16,000 were of all other race and ethnicity groups. All selected persons were asked to complete an extensive interview and an examination in a large mobile examination center. The survey period is 1988-94, consisting of two phases of equal length and sample size. Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 were random samples of the U.S. population living in households.

The National Human Monitoring Program (NHMP) identifies concentrations of specific chemicals in human tissues, including toxicologic testing and risk assessment determinations. This volume evaluates the current activities of the NHMP; identifies important scientific, technical, and programmatic issues; and makes recommendations regarding the design of the program and use of its products.