Newborn blood spot screening, or the heel prick test, uses a few drops of blood from a baby's heel to screen for rare but serious conditions, such as phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism, that can be treated if found early. It is usually done in the first days of life.
Key takeaways
- Most babies have normal results.
- A repeat sample is sometimes needed for technical reasons and does not mean something is wrong.
- The list of conditions screened varies by country.
What you can do
- Feed or cuddle your baby during the test to keep them comfortable.
- Keep your appointment if you are asked for a repeat sample.
