Common Newborn Tests

Assessing your baby is an important part of examining your baby for signs of health and normal function.

A complete physical exam is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully examined for signs of health and normal function. The doctor also looks for any signs of illness or birth defects. Here are routine tests your baby will undergo with links to more information.

Newborn Metabolic Screening

Most babies look healthy and perfect when they are born – just ask their parents. But because some potential problems aren't readily seen, all newborns are tested for certain conditions, including metabolic disorders.

Newborn Screening Tests

Nearly all newborns have screening tests to check for several different disorders.

Phenylketonuria  

This is a blood test to screen newborns for phenylketonuria, or PKU, a condition that can cause brain damage and severe intellectual disability if it goes untreated.

Screening for Congenital Heart Defects with Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a simple, painless, and quick test. It can be used to screen for certain heart defects that a baby is born with.

Well-Baby Checkup for the Newborn

Your baby’s first checkup will likely happen within a week of birth. At this newborn visit, the health care provider will examine your baby and ask questions about the first few days at home. The above linke describes some of what you can expect.