Every baby is offered newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally on day 6 on the neonatal unit. Consent will be obtained from you to carry out this test.
Premature or unwell babies, will have a blood spot sample taken on admission. This sample will be used to screen for sickle cell disease in case the baby has a blood transfusion.
These babies will then have the usual blood spot sample taken on day 6. If your baby is born before 32 weeks, an additional test is needed for congenital hypothyroidism on day 29 or when they are discharged from hospital, whichever is sooner.
New born blood spot screening involves taking a blood sample to find out if your baby has 1 of 9 rare, but serious health conditions.
- Sickle cell disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
- Maple syrup urine disease
- Isovaleric acidema
- Glutaric aciduria type 1
- Hypocystinuria (pyridoxine unresponsive)
Most babies won’t have any of these conditions but, for the few who do, the benefits of screening are enormous. Early treatment can improve their health, and prevent severe disabilities or even death.
What does the blood spot test involve?
When your baby is day 6 on the neonatal unit, a nurse will prick their heel and collect 4 drops of blood on a special card. You can ease any distress for your baby by cuddling and feeding them, and making sure they’re warm and comfortable. The test doesn’t carry any known risks for your baby.
When will we get the results?
You should receive the results either by letter of from a health professional by the time your baby is 6 to 8 weeks old.