Treatments and tests

Your newborn baby’s bloodspot screening test

All babies are checked at birth to see that all is well and newborn bloodspot screening is part of these routine health checks.

Why is Newborn Bloodspot Screening so important?

Bloodspot screening – often referred to as the “Guthrie” or “heel-prick” test – is an important health check for your baby that can help detect serious genetic conditions that may not be obvious at birth.

The test can detect conditions in your baby before he or she becomes ill and while there is still time for treatment to make a difference.

About one in 1000 babies will be born with one of these conditions but most will seem healthy, showing no early signs of the underlying illness. Without early treatment these conditions can cause irreversible physical and/ or intellectual disability – even death.

You do not need to have a family history of these conditions for your baby to be at risk – most babies with these conditions come from families with no history of the condition.

The screening test is strongly recommended for all newborns. Your doctor or midwife will seek your consent to perform the test and can answer any further questions you may have about the program.

The test is provided free to all babies and has been a routine part of Australian newborn care for more than 50 years. It currently finds about 35 babies with a condition in WA each year.

What does the test involve?
Why might my baby need a repeat test?
When will I get the results?
Does an abnormal screen mean my baby has a condition?
What happens to the bloodspot cards?
What are the limitations of screening?
What conditions does the screening detect?

Translated information

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More information

For more information about the screening program and the blood tests please contact:


Last reviewed: 30-01-2023
Acknowledgements

WA Newborn Screening Program | Office of Population Health Genomics


This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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