Newborn screening tests
Disease Information
Overview
Nearly all babies will have a simple blood test to check for disorders that are not apparent immediately after the baby is born.
- Some of these disorders are genetic, metabolic, blood or hormone-related.
- Each state in the United States requires screening tests, but the specific tests performed vary among the states.
- Some disorders are more common in some states, making testing more important.
A heel-prick is used to sample your baby's blood. The blood drops are collected in a small vial or on a special paper. The blood is then sent for testing. Your baby's heel may have some redness at the pricked site, and some babies may have bruising, but this usually disappears in a few days.
Science-driven care
Better diagnostic testing for newborns with galactosemia
Gerard Berry, director of the Metabolism Program at Children’s Hospital Boston, hopes a more sensitive follow-up test for galactosemia will relieve unnecessary distress on families.
