Newborn bloodspot screening is a blood test recommended for all newborn babies after birth. It is sometimes called the heel prick test.
What is it?
Newborn bloodsport screening tests for rare but serious medical conditions. At first, babies with these rare conditions may not show any signs and may not seem sick. There may be no history in the family.
It is important to find out if your baby has one of these rare conditions as early as possible. Early treatment can help prevent other serious health problems.
When is it done?
The newborn bloodspot screening test is best done when your baby is between 48 and 72 hours of age (2–3 days old).
If you go home before the sample is collected, your healthcare provider will talk with you about how and where the sample can be collected.
Sometimes a repeat test is also needed. If your baby needs another test, your healthcare provider will talk with you about it.
What does it screen for?
There are more than 30 different conditions that the screening test looks for. The treatment is different for each condition. The more common conditions are listed below.
| Condition | What is it? | What can happen? | Treatment |
| Cystic fibrosis | Causes problems with the lungs and digestive system |
| diet, mediciine, other therapy |
| Phenylketonuria | A protein (phenylalanine) is not broken down properly |
| medicine |
| Hypothyroidism | Not enough thyroid hormone is made |
| special diet |
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia | The hormones from the adrenal glands are not made in the right amounts |
| medicine |
Spinal muscular atrophy | The nerves controlling muscle movement don’t work properly |
| medicine, other therapy |
Intellectual delay: slow to learn, think and reason
Developmental delay: doesn’t reach milestones, difficulty with everyday activities
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Will it hurt?
Blood is taken from a small needle prick made on your baby’s heel. The blood is collected onto a special card. They may feel some pain and discomfort while this happens.
To help the blood flow during the collection of the sample you can:
- warm their foot using socks or a blanket before the test
- cuddle your baby with their feet positioned downwards
You can comfort your baby by:
- wrapping (swaddling)
- holding skin to skin
- feeding just before and during the test
- if your baby cannot feed, sucrose may be considered as an alternative
When will you get results?
The results go to the hospital where your baby was born. You will only be contacted if another sample is needed, or if a result suggests more testing is needed. You will not receive a result if all testing is negative.
Does your baby have to have the test?
Your healthcare provider will give you information about the screening test. Your permission is needed before it can be done. If you agree to the test, you are asked to sign the consent on the test card. Your baby’s blood sample is only used for this test.
The collection card is kept indefinitely (never destroyed). Parents can request that their baby’s collection card is destroyed after two years. If you have any concerns or questions speak with your healthcare provider.
What if you decide not to have this test?
Although most babies won’t have any of the conditions, having the screening test is strongly recommended.
Babies who have a condition can get treatment straight away. Early treatment gives your baby the best chance of a healthy life.
If you decide your baby is not going to have the screening test, tell your GP and child health nurse. If your baby becomes unwell or is not growing as expected, your healthcare provider will know to check for these conditions.
This information sheet aims to answer some commonly asked questions about newborn bloodspot screening. This is general information only. Ask your doctor, midwife or nurse what care is right for you and your baby.