Newborn Screening home
What is a Newborn screening?
Newborn screening is a special test that helps identify babies who are at risk for certain conditions. A newborn baby may look healthy, but can have a serious condition that cannot be seen. These conditions can be treated if found early. Indiana state law requires that all babies in Indiana be tested for 44 conditions (including sickle cell anemia) and hearing loss. This test must be done before the baby leaves the hospital. Babies born at home must have this test within one week of birth.
How is Newborn Screening done?
Before every baby goes home from the nursery, he or she has a small amount of blood taken from their heel. This is called a heelstick. The blood from the heelstick is used to test for a specific group of conditions. If anything concerning is found, the Newborn Screening Laboratory contacts the baby’s doctor.
All babies also receive a hearing test to identify possible hearing loss. This is called the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS).
Click here to view the Newborn Screening brochure
For more information about newborn screening, please click on one of the links below.
| Heelstick | Sickle Cell | Cystic Fibrosis | Universal Newborn Hearing Screen |
Mission of the ISDH Newborn Screening Program
- Ensure that every newborn in Indiana receives state-mandated screening for all designated genetic conditions.
- Maintain a centralized program to follow up and ensure that infants who test positive for screened condition(s) receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment and that their parents receive genetic counseling.
- Promote genetic services, public awareness, and education concerning genetic conditions.
Click here to read Indiana’s newborn screening law.
Newborn Screening Laboratory
Newborn Screening Resources
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