Medical Health Encyclopedia

Newborn screening tests


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Results Risks Prevention
Alternative Names

Infant screening tests; Neonatal screening tests; The PKU test


What the risks are

Risks for the newborn heel prick blood sample include pain and possible bruising at the site where the blood was obtained.


Special considerations

Newborn testing is critical for the baby to receive treatment that may be life saving. However, not all disorders that can be detected by the screening tests can be treated.

Although states do not perform all screening tests, parents can have  additional tests done by qualified laboratories at large medical centers. Private laboratories also offer newborn screening. Parents can find out about extra newborn screening tests from their physician or hospital where the baby will be born, as well as through organizations like the March of Dimes.



Review Date: 06/18/2011
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




Find a Therapist
PR Newswire