Newborn screening involves a simple and gentle procedure called a heel prick, usually performed within the first few days of your baby’s life. During this quick test, a tiny amount of blood is collected from your baby’s heel using a small needle. This blood is dropped onto a filter paper and sent out to a reference laboratory for reporting. It’s a fast and virtually painless process, causing minimal discomfort to your little one.

We check for conditions such as sickle cell disease, a blood disorder that can affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells, hypothyroidism where the thyroid gland may not be working as it should, G6PD deficiency an enzyme issue that can cause problems with red blood cells resulting in anaemia and jaundice, and cystic fibrosis a genetic disorder impacting the normal function of the lungs and digestive system.

Why do we do this? The benefits of newborn screening are immense. By identifying potential health concerns before they show any signs, we can start appropriate treatments early, often preventing serious health complications and developmental challenges. The heel prick is a small effort with tremendous rewards – it provides you, as parents and caregivers, with peace of mind. It is your way of actively participating in safeguarding your baby’s health and supporting their journey toward a happy and healthy future.