Newborn checks and screening
Before you go home, your baby has several routine checks and screening tests, such as a small heel-prick blood test and a hearing check.
Most important
Ask which tests are done and when results arrive
Ask your baby's care team which tests are planned and how you will hear about results.
What may happen
- Physical exams by the baby care team.
- A heel prick to collect a few drops of blood for screening.
- A hearing test.
Why
Screening finds some conditions early, before a baby shows signs.
What varies
The exact set and timing of tests depends on the hospital and your baby's needs.
Questions to ask
- Which tests will my baby have before we leave?
- How and when will we get the results?
- What follow-up does my baby need?
Prototype draft. Not yet clinically reviewed. Your own care team's instructions come first. About this app
Sources
Summaries are drafted from these public sources. No hospital has endorsed this app.
Detroit Medical Center · Detroit / system-wide education
Postpartum Care for You and Your Baby(opens in a new tab)- Published
- 2025-11-10
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Page read in full
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Confirm applicability to Hutzel or Sinai-Grace; corporate education is not a unit protocol.
Henry Ford Health · Detroit-area system
Newborn Care(opens in a new tab)- Published
- Date not stated
- Checked
- 2026-10-24
- Access
- Page read in full
Applies to: Published by one health system. Procedures at your hospital may differ.
Limitations: Published follow-up timings should not override individualized discharge instructions.