Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience. Alongside cuddles, feeding, and sleepless nights, there are also a few important screening tests offered in the UK by the NHS, designed to give your baby the very best start in life. One of these is the newborn blood spot test—sometimes called the “heel prick test.” You may have already heard of it, but if not, here’s a simple guide to what it involves, why it matters, and what you can expect.
What is the newborn blood spot test?
When your baby is between five and eight days old, a midwife or health visitor will collect a small sample of blood by gently pricking your baby’s heel. A few drops of blood are placed onto a special card and sent to a laboratory for testing. Although it might sound daunting, the procedure is very quick. Your baby may cry briefly, but most settle almost immediately with a cuddle or a feed.
What does the test screen for?
The test looks for a number of rare but serious conditions. These conditions aren’t always obvious in the early days of life, but if they are picked up early, treatment can begin straight away, giving your baby the best possible outcome. At present in the UK, the blood spot test screens for:
- Sickle cell disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Congenital hypothyroidism (a thyroid gland that doesn’t produce enough hormones)
- Six inherited metabolic disorders (including phenylketonuria, medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, and others)
All of these conditions are uncommon, but early detection makes a huge difference to a child’s health and development.
Why is the NBBS done?
As parents, we all want reassurance that our babies are healthy. The blood spot test gives that peace of mind. If the results are normal—which they are for the vast majority of babies—you’ll usually hear nothing more. If something unusual is found, you’ll be contacted quickly and guided through the next steps with the support of a specialist team. Acting early means treatment can often begin before symptoms even appear, helping your child grow and thrive.
What should you expect?
When it’s time for the test, your midwife will explain exactly what will happen. You may be asked to hold your baby during the procedure, or the midwife might suggest swaddling them to keep them comfortable. Feeding your baby straight afterwards can be very soothing. The small spots of blood are collected on the card and sent to the lab, and results are usually available within a few weeks.
Sometimes the sample needs to be repeated—this doesn’t necessarily mean anything is wrong. It may simply mean there wasn’t enough blood collected the first time.
Final Thoughts
The newborn blood spot test is a small moment in your baby’s early days, but it can have a big impact on their future health. It’s natural to feel protective and even a little anxious about any procedure, but this test is a safe, quick, and important way to safeguard your baby’s wellbeing.
If you have any questions, your midwife or health visitor will be more than happy to talk things through.
