Neonatal blood screening (‘heel prick’)

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Neonatal blood screening (‘heel prick’)

Diagrams show equipment - lancets, sampling area which is recommended and screening card, and sheet shows top tips which is used for taking blood spot sample.

The newborn blood spot (NBS) screening programme is recommended for all babies born in the UK. It should be done between days 5 to 8, but ideally on day 5 (counting day of birth as day 0). This aims to achieve early detection, referral and treatment for babies affected by any of the following conditions to improve their health, and prevent severe disability or even death.


Congenital hypothyroidism


The thyroid gland of the fetus starts functioning at about 20 weeks’ gestation to produce thyroxine for general development. About 1 in 3000 babies born in the UK has congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) and lack the hormone thyroxine, which in turn affects their growth and can lead to learning disabilities. However, early detection and treatment with thyroxine allows them to develop normally.


It is important to remember that the routine day 5 test may not identify very preterm babies with this condition. Therefore, all babies born at less than 32 weeks’ gestation are recommended to have a preterm repeat test at 28 days of age or on discharge home, whichever is the sooner, to ensure they are appropriately screened.


Sickle cell disease


Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects haemoglobin and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells, hence it is also known as sickle cell anaemia. This is a serious inherited blood disorder in which the normal round flexible disc-like cells change to elongated sickle or crescent-moon shapes when deoxygenated and under stress, forming clusters and blockage, resulting in tissue hypoxia, causing pain and severe anaemia. Babies who have SCD will require specialist care throughout their lives. The incidence in the UK is about 1 in 2000 babies.


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Jun 19, 2019 | Posted by in MIDWIFERY | Comments Off on Neonatal blood screening (‘heel prick’)

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