A New Beginning

Important Newborn Health Screenings

Your Baby’s Hospitalization

Newborns are screened shortly after birth for a number of medical conditions that may not be detected during a physical exam. If detected early, these conditions can be treated before they become serious. These newborn screenings are not diagnostic tests — your baby may require follow-up tests if they don’t pass the initial screening.

TYPE OF SCREENING

HOW THE SCREENING IS DONE

Metabolic Screening Tests for developmental, genetic, and metabolic disorders. State of Georgia MANDATORY screening.

Some pain. A few drops of blood are taken from your baby’s heel. This test must be performed within specific hours after birth. Results are sent to your baby’s pediatric provider.

Hearing Screening 1 in 3 newborns may have a serious hearing loss. If the hearing loss is not caught early, your newborn’s speech and other development will be affected.

Painless . This 10-minute test is done when your newborn is sleeping. A tiny earphone or microphone (or both) is used. There are 2 types of hearing screenings. The Otoacoustic (OAE) is a tiny probe that is placed just inside the ear canal to measure how your baby responds to sound vibrations. The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) places pads on your baby’s head to measure their response to sound played through headphones on their ears.

Pulse Oximetry Screening for Heart Disease

Painless . This test takes a few minutes and is done while your newborn is sleeping or quiet and warm. Self-stick sensors are placed on their right hand or wrist and one of their feet.

Screens for Congenital Cardiac Heart Disease (CCHD) by measuring the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood. Newborns who have CCHD may not have any symptoms right after birth. Jaundice Screening A buildup of bilirubin in the newborn’s blood causes jaundice. If the bilirubin level becomes too high, brain damage can occur. All newborns are screened for jaundice prior to discharge.

Painless . A light meter is placed on your newborn’s forehead or chest for a few seconds. The baby’s pediatric provider may order a blood test if the screening level is high.

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Chapter 6: Your Baby’s Hospitalization