Newborn bloodspot screening

Newborn bloodspot screening is a free test offered for all newborns in Australia. This quick and simple test is vital for avoiding the harmful effects of around 25 rare but serious health conditions. The WA Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program tests over 34,000 babies each year, providing timely and accurate screening to almost every baby born in the state. 

Around one in a thousand babies will go on to be diagnosed with a condition following newborn bloodspot screening. Detecting babies soon after birth means doctors are able to diagnose newborns before they display any signs of having the condition. This means that the baby can start treatment as soon as possible to prevent physical and intellectual harm, and even death.

What happens?

Newborn bloodspot screening involves taking a sample of blood from the baby’s heel within the first 48 to 72 hours after birth. 

The blood is collected on a special card, which is dried and sent off to a laboratory for analysis. In WA, all blood sample cards are sent to the PathWest laboratory located on the QEII Medical Centre site, next to Perth Children’s Hospital, for testing.

More information 

If you are a parent and would like to find out more about your baby’s screening test, visit the HealthyWA website (external link).