Newborn Blood Spot Screening Test
When and Where If you and your baby are still in the hospital on day 5, we will offer a blood spot screening test, also called the heel prick test. Purpose of the Screening The test checks for 9 rare but serious health conditions. Finding these conditions early can improve your baby's health.
How the Test is Done When your baby is 5 days old, a health professional will prick your baby’s heel with a special device to collect some drops of blood on a card (Sometimes this may be done later than Day 5). The prick may be uncomfortable, and your baby might cry. You can help by making sure your baby is warm and comfortable, and by cuddling and feeding them.
Safety of the Test The test is safe and has no known risks for your baby.
Getting the Results You should get the results from a health professional by the time your baby is 6 weeks old. The results will be recorded in your baby's personal child health record (the 'red book'). Keep this red health book safe and bring it to any future appointments. If there is any problem with your baby's results, you will be contacted sooner.
For more information on the red book click this link
For further information on the physical examination click this link.
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