Newborn Screening Tests: Keeping Your Baby Healthy
When a baby is born, doctors perform special tests called newborn screening tests to check for rare health problems. These tests help find issues early so babies can get the care they need to stay healthy.
Why Are Newborn Screening Tests Important?
Some babies might look healthy but have hidden health problems. If these problems are found early, doctors can treat them to prevent serious issues. Newborn screening tests help ensure your baby grows up strong and healthy.
What Tests Are Done?
Newborn screening usually includes three main tests:
- Blood Test (Heel Prick): A nurse takes a few drops of blood from your baby’s heel to check for certain health conditions. nichd.nih.gov
- Hearing Test: Soft sounds are played into your baby’s ears to see how they respond, checking for hearing problems. nichd.nih.gov
- Heart Screening: A sensor is placed on your baby’s skin to measure oxygen levels, helping to find heart issues. nichd.nih.gov
When Are the Tests Done?
These tests are usually done within the first 1 to 2 days after birth, before you take your baby home. If your baby is born at home or leaves the hospital early, it’s important to schedule these tests soon after birth. https://www.cdc.gov/newborn-screening/about/general-information.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
What Happens If a Test Finds a Problem?
If a test shows something unusual, don’t worry right away. It doesn’t always mean your baby has a problem. Doctors will do more tests to find out for sure. If there is an issue, early treatment can help your baby stay healthy.
cdc.govRemember:
Newborn screening tests are a key step in making sure your baby gets a healthy start in life. They help doctors find and treat problems early, so your baby can grow up happy and strong.
For more information, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s page on Newborn Screening.
Sources
- for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- General Information About Newborn Screening
- Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/newborn-screening/about/general-information.html
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Newborn Screening: Overview and Frequently Asked Questions
- Retrieved from: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/factsheets/newborn
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- Newborn Screening: What Parents Need to Know
- Retrieved from: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Newborn-Screening.aspx
- March of Dimes
- Newborn Screening Tests: How They Help Babies
- Retrieved from: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/newborn-screening
Files and info graphs
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Additional Resources:
County Health Departments – Newborn Screening & Follow-Up Support
1. Westchester County Department of Health – Maternal and Child Health Services
- Phone: (914) 813-5000
- Website: https://health.westchestergov.com
- Description: Provides information on newborn screening tests offered in hospitals, including metabolic, hearing, and heart screenings. Assists with follow-up care and referrals if additional testing or support is needed.
2. Putnam County Department of Health – Infant Health Services
- Phone: (845) 808-1390
- Website: https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/health
- Description: Supports families with newborn screening follow-up and connects parents to early intervention and pediatric specialists for conditions identified through state screening programs.
3. NYS Growing Up Healthy Hotline
- Phone: 1-800-522-5006
- Website: https://www.health.ny.gov
- Description: A 24/7 state-run hotline offering information and referrals related to newborn screening tests, immunizations, and infant health.
Community Health Centers – Screening & Primary Care
4. Open Door Family Medical Center
- Phone: (914) 632-2737
- Website: https://www.opendoormedical.org
- Locations: Ossining, Mt. Kisco, Port Chester, Sleepy Hollow, Mamaroneck, Brewster
- Description: Offers pediatric services that include education on newborn screening, follow-up testing, and primary care for infants diagnosed with conditions through state screening.
5. Sun River Health (formerly HRHCare)
- Peekskill Pediatric Site: (914) 734-8530
- Website: https://www.sunriver.org
- Description: Provides comprehensive pediatric services including support for families navigating follow-up appointments and care plans following newborn screenings.
Early Intervention & Special Needs Support
6. Westchester County Early Intervention Program
- Phone: (914) 813-5094
- Website: https://health.westchestergov.com/early-intervention
- Description: Serves children under age 3 with developmental delays, including those identified through newborn screenings (e.g., hearing loss, metabolic conditions).
7. Putnam Early Intervention Program
- Phone: (845) 808-1650
- Website: https://www.putnamcountyny.gov/early-intervention
- Description: Offers evaluations and services for infants and toddlers with developmental conditions detected during routine screenings.
Home Visiting & Parent Education
8. Healthy Families Putnam (MISN)
- Phone: (845) 561-3575
- Website: https://misn-ny.org/healthy-families-putnam
- Description: Provides home visits to new parents, including education on the importance of newborn screenings and help coordinating follow-up services or specialist care.
9. Nurse-Family Partnership – Westchester County DOH
- Phone: (914) 813-5094
- Website: https://health.westchestergov.com/nurse-family-partnership
- Description: Pairs first-time mothers with nurses who offer guidance on newborn care, including screening timelines and what results may mean.
National Educational Resources
10. New York State Newborn Screening Program
- Website: https://www.wadsworth.org/programs/newborn
- Description: Details the 50+ conditions screened for in New York, how testing is done, and what happens if a result requires follow-up.
11. Baby’s First Test – Genetics & Rare Conditions Resource
- Website: https://www.babysfirsttest.org
- Description: National resource center providing clear explanations of each condition included in newborn screening panels and next steps for families.
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided by our nonprofit is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. We make no guarantees about the accuracy or completeness of the information and are not liable for any decisions made based on it. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical care
