National Institutes of Health - The primary NIH organization for
research on Newborn Screening is the National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development Newborn screening tests take place
before your newborn leaves the hospital. Babies are tested to
identify serious or life-threatening conditions before symptoms
begin. Such diseases are usually rare. However, they can affect
a baby's normal physical and mental development. Most tests use
a few drops of blood from pricking the baby's heel. A hearing
test involves placing a tiny earphone in the baby's ear and
measuring his or her response to sound. If a screening test
suggests a problem, your baby's doctor will follow up with
further testing. If those tests confirm a problem, the doctor
may refer you to a specialist for treatment. Following your
doctor's treatment plan can save your baby from lifelong health
and developmental problems. References and abstracts from
MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)