Newborn Metabolic Screening
Newborn metabolic screening is a free test that screens for over 20 rare but potentially serious conditions that can make your baby very sick.
The screening test is done when your baby is 48 hours (2 days) old or as soon as possible after this – it can be done in hospital or at home. Your midwife will collect a small amount of blood from your baby’s heel onto a blood spot card.
Finding out early that your baby has a condition means that treatment can start quickly, before your baby becomes sick.
It is your decision to have your baby screened. Around 99% of babies in NZ are screened. The Ministry of Health strongly recommends screening for your baby.
Cost: Free
Newborn metabolic screening is a free test that screens for over 20 rare but potentially serious conditions that can make your baby very sick.
The screening test is done when your baby is 48 hours (2 days) old or as soon as possible after this – it can be done in hospital or at home. Your midwife will collect a small amount of blood from your baby’s heel onto a blood spot card.
Finding out early that your baby has a condition means that treatment can start quickly, before your baby becomes sick.
It is your decision to have your baby screened. Around 99% of babies in NZ are screened. The Ministry of Health strongly recommends screening for your baby.
Cost: Free