Newborn screening (heel prick / blood spot)

Category: Screening Tests · All screening tests

What it is

The newborn blood spot test takes a few drops of blood from the baby's heel onto a card, usually at about five days old, to screen for a panel of rare but serious conditions — including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, congenital hypothyroidism, PKU and several metabolic disorders (the panel varies by country).

Why it is done

For these conditions, early treatment — before symptoms — prevents severe disability or death. Screening every baby is the only way to find affected babies in time.

How to prepare

Your midwife arranges the test, usually at a home visit or clinic. Feeding and comforting the baby during the test helps. Tell the midwife about any family history of the screened conditions and about blood transfusions the baby may have had (which can affect some results).

What happens during the procedure

The heel is warmed and cleaned, a small lancet prick is made, and drops of blood fill circles on the card. It takes a few minutes; babies usually cry briefly and settle with a cuddle or feed.

Afterwards — recovery & results

Results are usually available by the time of the six-to-eight-week check; you are contacted sooner if a result needs action. Most results are normal. A 'screen positive' result means further diagnostic tests are needed urgently — it is not yet a diagnosis — and the specialist team contacts you directly with a plan.

Risks & considerations

The prick causes brief pain and a tiny bruise occasionally. False positives cause temporary parental anxiety but are preferable to missed cases; repeat samples are sometimes needed if the first card was insufficient.

Frequently asked questions

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