Newborn bloodspot screening

On the 5th day day and before the 8th day, we offer a screening test (Blood Spot Screening) that will look at congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell and thalassaemia, cystic fibrosis and an array of metabolic disorders.

If left undetected all conditions could have a detrimental effect to a baby’s morbidity and mortality with the most common effect being developmental delay.

The test involves taking a small sample of blood from your baby’s heal, the technique is straightforward, however, the standards for collecting the four blood spots is very exacting.

We will offer advice on how to prepare your baby before the blood spot screening test to maximise on obtaining a good sample and avoiding the need to repeat the test.

To find out more about postnatal care and the checks we carry out for you and your baby visit the postnatal care web page.