minnesota newborn screening program

When will my Baby be Screened?

Newborn Screening

A few drops of blood will be collected from your baby’s heel when your baby is between 24 and 48 hours old.

This blood is sent on a card to MDH for testing. Results are usually available within a week after MDH receives your baby’s newborn screening card. Your baby’s newborn screening results will be sent to the hospital where the baby was born.

Your baby might need to have a second newborn screen or might need more testing. A baby who has a positive newborn screen needs additional testing. A baby who has a borderline newborn screen will need another newborn screen done. Your baby's doctor or clinic will contact you if more testing is needed.

Be sure to ask about your baby's newborn screening results at one of the baby's first check-ups .

Hearing Screening

Simple tests will be done to check your baby's hearing in the hospital. All babies born in Minnesota have their hearing checked shortly after birth.

While your baby is asleep, your baby’s hearing will be checked using special computer equipment. The hearing test is safe and painless and can be done in the hospital in about 10 minutes.

Your baby might need to have more than one hearing test. If your baby does not pass the first hearing test, you will be asked to come back for another hearing screen.

You will be notified of your baby’s hearing screening results by the nurse or health care provider doing the hearing test. If your baby does not pass the hearing test, the hospital will help you schedule an appointment to have the baby’s hearing rescreened. If your baby does not pass the hearing screen, be sure you know what to do to get the important follow up testing your baby needs.

Updated Sunday, 05-Dec-2010 10:22:53 CST