Soon after delivery,  all babies in the United States are checked for certain medical conditions. This is called newborn screening. They are screened even if they appear healthy. This is because some medical conditions cannot be detected just by looking at the baby. The screening is done before the baby leaves the hospital for home. Most states test for only a selected disorder and not all states do the same screening tests. The newborn screening test is required by the state and mandatory. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.
 

 

What is the importance of the newborn screening test ?

 
This test screens for certain medical conditions which when detected soon after birth can help prevent certain serious complications such as brain damage, organ damage and death. Some of the medical conditions are easily treatable than others. However, it is helpful to know about these conditions as soon as possible to take steps to prevent further complications.

What tests does my state screen for ?

 
This is a current list of conditions included in the newborn screening in each state.

When and how are babies screened ?

 
Babies born in the hospital are screened before they leave the hospital. Parents should take babies born outside the hospital to a clinic or hospital within a few days to be checked. In some states, the babies may be screened a second time, about 2 weeks after birth.

Blood is drawn from the baby’s heel. This is known as heel – stick test. The blood is sent to a newborn screening lab for testing.

What do the results mean ?

 
A negative result means that the baby did not show signs of any of the medical conditions being tested. A positive result means that the baby showed signs of one or more of the conditions being tested. It does not always mean that the baby has the condition. It may just mean that more testing is needed. The doctor will therefore screen the child again or have a specific test done to confirm a diagnosis.Results may be abnormal if the blood was drawn too early, the baby was premature or other reasons

NOTE

DO NOT WAIT if the results of the newborn screening of your baby indicate that there could be a problem. Work with your baby’s doctor to get the needed follow-up tests as soon as possible
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