There’s not much that compares to meeting your sweet new baby for the very first time. While you're snuggling into your time together in the hospital after delivery, your health care team will also do their part to welcome your little one into the world—including some small but important newborn screening tests.
What Is Newborn Screening?
All babies born in the United States have newborn screening tests that check for health issues your providers may not be able to see at birth. The exact newborn screening test list varies by state. But generally, we’re checking for certain rare but potentially serious medical conditions.
These tests most often return normal results. In some cases, however, they may identify a condition that’s good to know about as early as possible in your baby’s life to help them get the right support as they grow.
How Testing Works
Your health care team will perform newborn screening tests when your baby is one or two days old, including:
- Blood sample: With a small sample of blood we get from a tiny prick of your baby’s heel, we can screen for many different kinds of genetic and other medical conditions
- Hearing screening: We use small earphones to play a series of clicks or tones. Then, we measure how your baby responds to the sounds with special equipment to screen for hearing loss
- Heart screening: We use a pulse oximeter machine and sensors to measure the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood. This helps catch certain heart conditions that require treatment right away
Some of the specific conditions we screen for are:
- Hemoglobin disorders, which can affect red blood cells
- Hormonal issues, which can affect how a baby grows and develops
- Metabolic problems, which can affect how a baby gets energy from food
- Other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis
What Happens Next
Your health care team will know the heart and hearing screening test results as soon as they are done. Newborn blood test results are usually ready in 5 to 7 days. If all the results are normal, you might not hear any updates. However, if test results come back outside normal ranges, we’ll do a second test to either diagnose or rule out any concerns.
If your team identifies a medical condition, they’ll talk you through the details and any next steps, including whether your baby needs close monitoring to start treatment or to see a specialist.
The Best-Case Scenario
Of course, the best possible scenario involves catching a health issue early through regular newborn screening and treating the condition before it affects your baby's ability to thrive. Here's one specific example of how an infant screening can work for the best possible outcome:
One test included in newborn screenings is called a PKU test, which identifies a metabolic condition called phenylketonuria. Babies with this condition who aren’t treated can develop delays or disabilities. However, when caught early, it’s highly treatable with a special formula.
Caring for Your Baby and You
Thinking about a potential health issue can be scary for an expectant parent, but it’s good to know how your health care team is helping to safeguard your baby’s health.
At AdventHealth, you’re surrounded by maternity and baby care experts. We're here to support you through every moment, from newborn screenings and beyond, so you can focus on what’s most important — quality time with your family’s brand-new addition.
If you have questions, you can learn more about mother and baby care on our website or schedule an appointment with one of our providers.
