Newborn Screenings
After your baby is born at Woman’s, we perform several tests to screen for possible health problems.Most babies are born healthy. However, if a condition is discovered early through newborn screening, we have treatments available to help your baby.
Newborn Screening Means Healthier Babies
Early screening is important for your baby’s health. Advances in technology make it possible to screen for more conditions than ever before. That means more conditions can, in many cases, be treated because they are discovered early.
Woman's screens for more than 40 disorders. This includes those disorders required to be screened for by Louisiana law.
The screening procedure is quick and simple:
- A small amount of blood is taken from your baby's umbilical cord or heel.
- The sample is sent to the lab for processing and testing.
Babies who have the test before 24 hours of age, or leave the hospital within this period, should be retested within one to two weeks. A second screening may find changes not evident with the first sample.
Newborn screening is a very important part of a baby’s healthcare, but parents can refuse to have their baby tested. If you do not wish to have the newborn screening performed, tell your nurse or doctor when you are admitted. Your baby will be screened, unless you tell us differently.
Some testing may be needed for your baby unrelated to newborn screening in order to provide proper care. Your decision regarding newborn screening does not affect the ongoing care for your baby.
Find more information about newborn screenings at the following websites:
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals > Newborn Screening
Genetics Home Reference is a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. (Enter disorder name in the search feature)