Nederlands English. RIVM Committed to health and sustainability. Home Heel prick Heel prick. In the first week after birth, children are tested for a number of severe congenital disorders. This test is known as the heel prick. Go to next slide: Active slide:. Occasionally, the sample may need to be taken when your baby is 6, 7 or 8 days old. Sometimes a second blood spot sample is needed. The reason for this will be explained to you.
It doesn't necessarily mean there's something wrong with your baby. The blood spot test screens for the following 9 rare but serious conditions. If you, your partner or a family member already has one of these conditions or a family history of it , tell your healthcare professional straight away.
About babies are born with sickle cell disease in the UK each year. This is a serious inherited blood disease. Sickle cell disease affects haemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
Babies who have this condition will need specialist care throughout their lives. People with sickle cell disease can have attacks of severe pain and get serious, life-threatening infections.
They're usually anaemic because their blood cells have difficulty carrying oxygen. The blood spot screening test means that babies with sickle cell disease can receive early treatment to help them live healthier lives. This may include vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious illnesses. Pregnant women are also routinely tested for sickle cell disease early in pregnancy.
Read more about sickle cell disease. UK also has a factsheet about sickle cell disease. About 1 in 2, babies born in the UK has cystic fibrosis. This inherited condition affects the digestion and lungs. Babies with cystic fibrosis may not gain weight well and are prone to chest infections. Babies with the condition can be treated early with a high-energy diet, medicines and physiotherapy. Although children with cystic fibrosis may still become very ill, early treatment can help them live longer, healthier lives.
Read more about cystic fibrosis. UK also has a leaflet for parents whose baby has suspected cystic fibrosis. About 1 in every 2, to 3, babies born in the UK has congenital hypothyroidism. Babies with congenital hypothyroidism don't have enough of the hormone thyroxine. That tiny heel prick can reveal so many illnesses that can potentially be life-threatening or can potentially be physically and intellectually damaging.
Regardless of what conditions your state screens for, hospitals offer the newborn screening panel to help all babies get the best start possible.
Find out what conditions the test can detect. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Trending Topics.
What Parents Need to Know.
0コメント