What do newborn screening test for

Sometimes hearing loss is not inherited. For example, it can be caused by an infection during pregnancy. You also can visit babysfirsttest. March of Dimes works with states to ensure they are testing babies for the health conditions recommended by Department of Health and Human Services also called HHS.

March of Dimes would like to see all babies in all states screened for at least 35 health conditions. Many of these health conditions can be treated if found early. The health conditions are divided into six groups:. Get expert tips and resources from March of Dimes and CDC to increase your chance of having a healthy, fully-term pregnancy and baby.

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We're glad you're here. March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Building on a successful year legacy, we support every pregnant person and every family. March of Dimes, a not-for-profit, section c 3. Privacy, Terms, and Notices , Cookie Settings. Register Sign In. Hi Your dashboard sign out. When your baby is 5 days old, a healthcare professional 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. Occasionally, the sample may need to be taken when your baby is 6, 7 or 8 days old. Sometimes a second blood spot sample is needed. The reason for this will be explained to you. It doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with your baby. The blood spot test screens for the following 9 rare but serious conditions. If you, your partner or a family member already has one of these conditions or a family history of it , tell your healthcare professional straight away.

About babies are born with sickle cell disease in the UK each year. This is a serious inherited blood disease. Sickle cell disease affects haemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Babies who have this condition will need specialist care throughout their lives. People with sickle cell disease can have attacks of severe pain and get serious, life-threatening infections. They're usually anaemic because their blood cells have difficulty carrying oxygen.

The blood spot screening test means that babies with sickle cell disease can receive early treatment to help them live healthier lives.

This may include vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious illnesses. Pregnant women are also routinely tested for sickle cell disease early in pregnancy. Read more about sickle cell disease. UK also has a factsheet about sickle cell disease. Metabolic disorders in newborn screening include:. Hormone problems. Hormones are chemical messengers made by glands. Hormone problems happen when glands make too much or not enough hormones.

Hormone problems in newborn screening include:. Hemoglobin problems: Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Some of the hemoglobin problems included in newborn screening are:. Other problems. Other rare but serious medical problems included in newborn screening are:.

Most states also screen for hearing loss and critical congenital heart disease. Talk to your doctor if you think your baby may need other newborn screening tests not offered through your state program. A small blood sample taken by pricking the baby's heel is tested.

The U. If the "screening" test results are abnormal, it means further tests need to be done to tell whether the baby has a disorder. There is a core set of 34 newborn screening tests for the entire country. But, additional tests done vary among the states. Some disorders are more common in some states, making these individual tests more important in those states. The baby's blood is checked for most of the disorders.

A heel-prick is used to sample the baby's blood. The blood is then sent to a state lab for testing. The 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.

Phenylketonuria PKU. PKU is an inherited disease in which the body can't metabolize a protein called phenylalanine. Without treatment, PKU can cause intellectual disability. Newborn screening for PKU is required in all 50 states. Congenital hypothyroidism. This is a condition in which the baby is born with too little thyroid hormone.