Newborn screening is the set of tests offered to all babies shortly after birth to find rare but treatable conditions early. It usually includes the heel prick blood test, a hearing test and a physical examination; many countries also check oxygen levels to look for heart conditions.
What tests are included?
The exact tests vary by country:
| Test | What it looks for |
|---|---|
| Heel prick (blood spot) | Rare metabolic, hormone and blood conditions |
| Hearing screening | Permanent hearing loss |
| Physical examination | Eyes, heart, hips and, in boys, testes |
| Pulse oximetry (in many countries) | Low oxygen levels that may signal a heart condition |
What you can do
- Ask which screening tests are offered where your baby is born.
- Keep a record of the results in your baby's health book.
