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Newborn Screening
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Genetics Birth Defects

Newborn Screening

Newborn screening tests performed before leaving the hospital are critical for identifying serious medical conditions early, allowing for timely treatment.

Overview

Your newborn infant has screening tests before leaving the hospital. There may be different tests depending on the state where you live. They include:

  • Blood tests: A few drops of blood are collected from the baby's heel to look for inherited disorders. All states test for at least 30 of these conditions.
  • Hearing test: Measures the baby's response to sound.
  • Skin test: Measures the level of oxygen in the blood to determine if the baby has a congenital heart defect.

Importance of Screening

These tests look for serious medical conditions. If not treated, some of these conditions can cause lifelong health problems, while others can cause early death. With early diagnosis, treatment can begin right away, before serious problems can occur or become permanent.

Follow-Up

If a screening shows that your baby might have a condition, the health care provider or the state health department will call you. It is important to follow up quickly. Further testing can verify whether your baby has the condition. If so, treatment should start right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should contact your pediatrician immediately. They can arrange for a heel‑stick test at a local clinic or hospital to ensure your baby is screened as soon as possible. Early screening is critical for timely treatment.===
Most hospitals perform newborn screening within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, usually before discharge, to ensure early detection of treatable conditions.
Your pediatrician or the state health department will contact you promptly. They will schedule confirmatory diagnostic tests, discuss the diagnosis, and arrange for treatment or specialist referrals as soon as possible.
Yes, you can discuss optional tests with your pediatrician, especially if there is a family history of specific disorders. However, most states cover the standard panel, and additional tests may require separate consent and may not be covered.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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