English
Newborn screening tests are done at the hospital soon after your baby is born. These tests are done to check for any health conditions your baby was born with. Sometimes, these are rare conditions that might not show any symptoms at birth. The purpose of screening tests is to find and treat a problem as early as possible. Early treatment may prevent or reduce future harmful effects of the condition and even save a child's life.
The types of screening tests are not the same in all states. Each state has its own screening routine. All tests are usually done before your child leaves the hospital.
Blood test
Between 24 and 48 hours of life, your baby may have a heel stick to collect a sample of blood for testing. This blood test can be used to screen for more than 60 conditions that babies can be born with, including:An abnormal result means that there is a risk of having one of the conditions in question. Results are usually available within a week. If your baby has an abnormal result, more testing will need to be done.
Hearing test
Your baby may have a hearing test prior to discharge from the hospital. This simple, painless test checks how your baby's brain reacts to sound. It can be done while your baby is sleeping. The results of this screening test are available as soon as the test is completed.
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry is another test that may be done when your baby is at least 24 hours old. If your baby will be discharged from the hospital before 24 hours of age, the test would be done as late as possible prior to leaving the hospital. This is a test to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
This painless test uses a sensor that attaches to your baby's right hand and either foot. Low levels of oxygen may be caused by a heart defect that some babies are born with (critical congenital heart diseases). More testing may be needed if your baby has low oxygen. Results of this screening test are available as soon as the test is completed.
It is up to you to get the results of the tests. Ask your baby's health care provider, or the department that is doing the tests, when the results will be ready.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.