Newborn Screening Tests

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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What you need to know about newborn screening tests:

Newborn screening tests check your baby for conditions that may be cured, prevented, or managed. Screening tests are usually done when a baby is 1 to 2 days old. Early diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions can prevent them from becoming life-threatening. A condition may instead be managed to help prevent symptoms or make them less severe.

How to prepare your baby for newborn screening tests:

Your baby's healthcare provider may prepare your baby for the tests if you give birth in the hospital. The provider may instead have you help prepare your baby while you are in the hospital. You may need to do the following:

• Soothe your baby with breastfeeding or a bottle and change his or her diaper. This may help your baby relax or sleep through the tests.
• Clean and dry your baby's feet. Do not put powder on his or her feet. The results of the blood test may not be accurate if powder gets in the samples.
• Keep your baby's feet warm before his or her heel prick test. Put 1 to 2 pairs of socks on your baby's feet to help them stay warm, if needed. The provider may get blood from your baby's heel faster if his or her feet are warm.

What will happen during your baby's newborn screening tests:

• A dried blood (heel prick) test will check for lifelong and life-threatening conditions. A healthcare provider will clean your baby's foot before the test. The provider will prick your baby's heel with a needle. Circles on a paper card will be filled with drops of blood from your baby's heel. The blood will be tested for conditions such as cystic fibrosis, hypothyroidism, or sickle cell disease.
• A hearing test will check the hearing in each of your baby's ears. A provider may put a soft earphone and microphone into your baby's ear. The earphone and microphone are connected to a device that plays sounds. The device will pick up an echo if your baby can hear the sounds. The provider may instead put a sensor on your baby's forehead. The sensor is connected to a device that shows if your baby's brain reacts to sound. Your baby's hearing may be tested a few hours after birth and again before he or she goes home.
• A heart disease test will check for a heart condition your baby was born with. Examples are a valve that did not develop correctly or a hole that did not close between chambers. A heart condition can prevent blood from flowing correctly. Your baby's body may not get enough oxygen if blood cannot flow well. A device called a pulse oximeter checks how much oxygen is in your baby's blood. An oxygen level below 95% may be a sign of a heart condition.

What to expect after your baby's newborn screening tests:

• You may need to soothe your baby after the heel prick test. Swaddle or cuddle your baby. You may also be able to breastfeed your baby or give him or her a bottle.
• Your baby's heart and hearing test results may be given to you immediately after they are done. The heel prick test results will be given to your baby's healthcare provider within 7 days. Your baby's provider will tell you how to get any results that are not immediately available.
• Your baby's provider may recommend more tests if results are not clear. Other tests or scans may be needed to diagnose or rule out a condition. Your baby's provider may recommend a specialist to help you manage a confirmed health condition.

Risks of newborn screening tests:

Tests may need to be repeated if your baby was born early or has a high risk for a condition. A repeated test may not give the same results as the first test. Some heart conditions cannot be diagnosed with a pulse oximeter.

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Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your baby stops breathing for more than 20 seconds.
• You cannot wake your baby.

Seek care immediately if:

• Your baby is breathing more slowly or more quickly than usual.
• Your baby has a fever above 100.4°F (37.8°C).
• Your baby's heel shows signs of infection, such as swelling, redness, or pus.

Call your baby's doctor if:

• You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.

Watch for signs of a health condition

while you wait for test results. You may get specific directions if your baby is at high risk for a condition. The following are general guidelines:

• Watch for breathing problems. A newborn usually takes 30 to 60 breaths each minute. Fast, slow, or difficult breathing may be a sign of a serious health problem, such as a heart condition. Cyanosis (blue, purple, or gray skin) may mean your baby's body is not getting enough oxygen. Cyanosis commonly develops on the face, hands, and feet.
• Watch for signs your baby is not feeding well. Your baby should feed 10 to 12 times every day if you are breastfeeding. Your baby should feed every 3 to 4 hours if he or she is given a bottle. Call your baby's healthcare provider if he or she is not feeding well or vomits 2 times in a row.

Follow up with your baby's doctor or specialist as directed:

You may get test results during a follow-up visit. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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