Newborn Tests & Screenings

Newborn screening is a simple, safe, and important public health service that can help identify certain genetic, developmental or metabolic disorders in your baby before symptoms appear. Early detection means treatment can start right away - often before the condition causes serious or permanent harm. 

At Banner Health, our maternity and pediatrics team is here to guide you through every step of your baby’s first screenings. 

What types of screenings will my newborn get 

Our team performs newborn screenings using three main methods: a blood test, a hearing test, and a pulse oximetry test. 

Blood test 

This is usually the first screening performed after birth. A nurse or other trained staff member will gently clean your baby’s heel and make a small prick to collect a few drops of blood. The blood is placed on a special card and sent to a lab to check for rare but serious conditions, such as certain hormone problems, blood disorders and metabolic diseases. 

While your baby may cry briefly from the heel prick, the test is quick and helps detect conditions that may not be visible at birth. 

Hearing test 

Newborn hearing screening checks how well your baby’s ears and brain respond to sound. There are two types: 

• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test: A tiny earphone and microphone are placed in your baby’s ear. Quiet clicking sounds are played, and the microphone measures echoes from the inner ear. No echo may mean a possible hearing loss. 
• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) test: Small sensors (electrodes) are placed on your baby’s head to measure brain activity in response to sounds. This test can identify possible hearing issues that may need follow-up care. 

Both tests are safe, painless and take only a few minutes. 

Pulse oximetry test 

Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in your baby’s blood and can help detect certain heart problems, such as critical congenital heart disease. A small sensor is gently placed on your baby’s skin, usually on the hand or foot, to measure oxygen levels. This test is typically done at least 24 hours after birth and is painless. 

Why babies are screened 

Newborn screening can detect health problems that, if left untreated, may cause serious complications, such as: 

• Lifelong nervous system damage 
• Intellectual or physical disabilities 
• Developmental delays 
• In some cases, death 

Early treatment can prevent or reduce these complications and give your baby the best start in life. 

When these screenings happen 

Newborn screenings are typically completed within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. In some cases, a second blood test may be recommended after your baby goes home. 

Will these tests hurt my baby? 

The blood test may cause brief discomfort from the heel prick. Swaddling, skin-to-skin contact, or breastfeeding during the test can help keep your baby calm. The hearing and pulse oximetry tests are painless and should not cause distress. 

Your partner in newborn care 

At Banner Health, we know your baby’s health is your top priority—and it’s ours, too. Our knowledgeable maternity and pediatrics staff is ready to answer your questions and guide you through your baby’s first screenings. 

Have questions about newborn screening? Talk to your pediatrician or connect with our team today. Find a Banner Health pediatric provider.