Everything you need to know about the newborn blood spot test (previously: the heel prick test)

Baby feet shoibng heel prick test or newborn blood spot test

by Zara Mohammed |
Updated

You might be more familiar with the term 'heel prick test' as it was formerly known, but the 'newborn blood spot test' is essentially the same thing - an easy way for doctors to check your baby for any sign of nine rare but serious conditions.

The NHS says these conditions can be life-threatening, which is why it's important to test babies early so they can start to be monitored and treated sooner, improving their long-term health and development, and preventing severe disability.

We've researched and answered all of the most frequently asked questions about heel prick tests and newborn blood spot tests, so you can consider this a complete guide with everything you need to know.

What is the newborn blood spot test?

The heel prick test, or newborn blood spot test is similar to what the name suggests - a small prick on the baby's heel in order to retrieve a spot of blood for testing.

What does the newborn blood spot test check for?

The newborn blood spot test checks for...

• cystic fibrosis (CF) - affecting the lungs and digestive systems of 1 in 2,500 babies born in the UK

• sickle cell disease (SCD) - 1 in 2,000 babies born in the UK suffer from this serious inherited blood disease

• congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) - 1 in 3,000 babies born in the UK who suffer with (CHT), don’t have enough of the hormone thyroxine

...as well as these six inherited metabolic diseases:

• phenylketonuria (PKU)

• medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)

• maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)

• isovaleric acidaemia (IVA)

• glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1)

• homocystinuria (HCU)

Who is the newborn blood spot test is for?

It's recommended that all babies should have the newborn spot blood test, and it's usually done very early, when your baby is just 5 days old, but sometimes it may take place a little sooner of later than this. It can be a bit upsetting for new parents to see their vulnerable new baby being hurt, but the test really is just the tiniest of pricks on their heel, and there are no known risks to your baby.

How is newborn blood spot test done?

There is nothing that you must do to prepare for the test, and the procedure is very quick and simple to carry out. A healthcare professional will use a device with a tiny needle to prick the baby's heel so that they can collect a few drops of blood on a special card, which is then sent away to be tested.

Will the newborn blood spot test hurt my baby?

The experience is very quick and will be over before you know it. You'll probably be more traumatised than your little one, it's natural to feel protective. Your baby may cry or be uncomfortable during the test though, and this is normal.

You can comfort your baby by making sure they are warm and comfy, giving them lots of cuddles or feeding them as a distraction afterwards. Often the test takes place at home by a community midwife or health visitor, but it may be done in the hospital, or at another planned appointment.

How to get the newborn blood spot test

When you have your first appointment with your midwife during pregnancy, they will share information with you about the newborn blood spot test. Don't worry if you forget about it though, as they will talk to again soon after your baby has been born to ask if you would like to have the test done.

You should check with your midwife, heqalth visitor or GP as soon as you can to find out if your baby can still have the test, if they haven't already. The same goes for if you decided not to have the test initially but then change your mind.

How do you get results of a newborn blood spot test?

Depending on what the results are you may hear via letter, or be told by phone or in person.

Possible results of the newborn blood spot test:

  • No signs of any condition found (or suspected) - This is the most common result and means your baby is unlikely to get any of the conditions and will not need any further tests.

  • Carrier of a condition - Babies who are genetic carriers don't have the condition themselves and will usually be healthy, but they could pass the condition on to any children they have. It's also quite a common result, so try not to worry. They won't need any treatment but may need further tests.

  • Signs of a condition found (condition suspected) - If the results are positive, you'll be contacted directy and your baby will be referred to a specialist for more tests and to start treatment if needed.

If the test needs to be redone you'll be contacted with more information and a second appointment will be made. Don't worry if this happens as there are lots of reasons, and it doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. with your baby.

Follow up with your midwife, health visitor or GP if you haven't received any results by the time your baby is 6 weeks old.

What happens to the newborn blood spot test card?

You might be wondering what happens to the test card containing your baby's blood samples. They arestored for at least 5 years and may be used to check the result or for other tests recommended by your doctor.

They may also be used to help with improvements to the programme or for research, but in this case your baby won't be identified and you won't be contacted. You could be invited to take part in optional research, however, and you can let the person doing the newborn blood spot test know if you don't wish to be contacted.

Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.

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