Mommyato Blog | Should My Baby have Newborn Screening Tests?

23 Sep Should My Baby have Newborn Screening Tests?

Posted at 08:36h in Newborn Health by JessicaB

Newborn screening tests detect genetic, endocrine and metabolic disorders – conditions that can cause severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, or even death, if not treated early. Screening babies before symptoms appear gives them a chance for early care and a healthy future.

September is Newborn Screening Awareness month and the perfect time to talk about newborn screening; what it is and how it’s done.

In the United States, if you plan on having your baby in the hospital, the newborn screening test will be offered in the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. In most states, this includes a blood test, a hearing test, and a test for congenital heart disease. But don’t worry! While this sounds like a lot for your baby to go through in the first days of life, it really takes just a few minutes for each test and these are usually done while your baby is sleeping peacefully.

In the hospital, the nurse will bring your baby to the nursery to perform these tests. For the blood test, the nurse will do a simple heel stick, which is pricking the baby’s heel with a small lancet, similar to the way diabetics test their blood sugar. Most babies don’t even wake up during the test! A few drops of blood are then deposited onto a sterile, absorbent paper. The paper is sent to your state’s lab and analyzed for a core panel of 29 disorders. Some states test for 50 disorders. Check out your state’s newborn screening protocol here.

The newborn blood test screens for genetic, endocrine and metabolic disorders; conditions that can cause severe intellectual and developmental disabilities, or even death, if not treated early. Oftentimes, by the time symptoms arise, damage has already occurred in the body so that the baby is already experiencing cognitive and developmental disabilities. This is why screening before symptoms is so critical.

Some of the diseases tested for are: sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, galactosemia, maple syrup urine disease, homocystinuria, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and congenital hypothyroidism, to name a few. With early detection and treatment, many of the serious effects of these diseases can be avoided, allowing your baby to develop and mature normally.

The newborn hearing test and pulse oximetry test are performed in the same 24-48 hour window. Both tests are non-invasive.

There are two types of hearing tests available. You can check here to read about which hearing test your state performs. These tests involve placing a small earphone and soft sensor, or earphone and microphone, on your baby. Soft sounds are played while your baby sleeps. Both tests are effective at detecting hearing loss.

The pulse oximetry test detects babies who may have critical congenital heart disease. The test is performed by placing a painless skin sensor that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. Low levels of oxygen can indicate heart problems.

Parents have the right to decline newborn screening. However, declining newborn screening can have serious health consequences for your child. In the United States, newborn screening detects treatable conditions in 1 of 300 newborns every year. That’s 12,500 babies per year! Many of these babies come from families with no known congenital disorders as well.²

If you’re having your baby in the hospital, you’ll know the results of the hearing and congenital heart disease tests right away. Your baby’s pediatrician will receive the blood test results, you can follow-up during the first visit. If you’ve given birth in a birth center, check if the midwives will perform the tests in house, after the birth. As with a home birth, you may need to get the tests done at your baby’s doctor’s office instead.

The benefits of newborn screening are immeasurable with so very little risk, or discomfort, to your baby. If a condition is detected, you will have the timely opportunity to provide treatment to your baby that will help him reach his fullest potential in childhood and beyond.