Newborn Screening Tests: What to Expect

Newborn screening tests are done at the hospital soon after your baby is born. These tests check if your baby was born with certain health problems.

The health problems tested for are rare conditions that might not show symptoms right away. The screening tests find and treat these problems early.

Early treatment can help your baby stay healthy and may even save your baby's life.

Types of newborn screening tests

The types of screening tests are not the same in all states. All tests are usually done before your child leaves the hospital. Ask your health care team for more information on testing in your state.

Blood test

Within the first two days, your baby will get a blood test. This blood test can be used to screen for conditions that babies can be born with, including:

Metabolic disorders. Problems with how your baby uses or makes nutrients.
Endocrine disorders. Problems with hormones in your baby's body.
Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease.
Other rare disorders, such as cystic fibrosis.

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 before leaving the hospital. This easy, painless test checks how your baby's brain reacts to sound. It can be done while your baby is sleeping. You may get the results right away.

Pulse oximetry

Pulse oximetry is another screening 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 will be done right before the baby leaves the hospital.

This test uses sensors that go on your baby's hand and foot to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Low levels of oxygen may be caused by a heart problem that some babies are born with.
You can get the results of this screening test as soon as the test is completed. More testing may be needed if your baby has low oxygen.

What can I expect after the tests?

Ask the provider, or the department that is doing the tests, when the results will be ready. You will be contacted if more testing is needed.

Learn more about newborn screening

Learn as much as you can about newborn screening tests. The best time to learn more is before you give birth. You may want to learn more about:

Genetic screening for you and your partner.
Newborn screening tests in your state. You can get this information from your provider, hospital, or state health department.
When your baby's provider will do any screening tests (if you give birth at home or at a birthing center).

Questions to ask your health care provider

What are the benefits of these tests?
Are there any risks for my baby with any of these tests?
Can I choose not to do a test?
Are there any other tests that you recommend?
Will my insurance cover the tests?
When will the test results come back?
When will we talk about the results and what they may mean for my baby?

Where to find more information

To learn more:

Visit your state's department of health website.
Go to healthychildren.org
- Type "newborn tests" in the search box.
Go to cdc.gov
1. Type "newborn screening" in the search box.
2. Click on "Newborn Screening Home."
3. Click on "Newborn Screening Resources for Families."

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.