What blood tests are performed on newborn infants?
May 14, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
The blood tests commonly performed on newborn infants mainly include: hearing screening, metabolic screening, jaundice screening, prenatal infection screening, blood type and Rh factor testing, congenital heart disease screening, postnatal infection screening, and anemia screening—eight types in total. After sample collection, it is important to maintain wound hygiene to prevent infection and reduce the risk of other complications.
Under normal circumstances, blood tests for newborn infants mainly include eight types: hearing screening, metabolic screening, jaundice screening, prenatal infection screening, blood type and Rh factor testing, congenital heart disease screening, postnatal infection screening, and anemia screening. The details are as follows:
1. Hearing Screening
Hearing tests are conducted on the infant's ears to check for any hearing problems.
2. Metabolic Screening
This involves testing a blood or tissue sample from the infant's heel to screen for metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism.
3. Jaundice Screening
The degree of yellowing in the infant's skin and eyes is measured to determine whether pathological jaundice, such as that caused by hemolytic disease, is present.
4. Prenatal Infection Screening
This includes testing the mother for viral or bacterial infections, as well as performing blood tests on the infant, to rule out the possibility of infections acquired before birth.
5. Blood Type and Rh Factor Testing
The infant’s blood type and Rh factor are tested to help prevent conditions such as hemolytic disease.
6. Congenital Heart Disease Screening
Infants are examined using auscultation and ultrasound to screen for the presence of congenital heart defects.
7. Postnatal Infection Screening
Blood tests are performed on infants within 48–72 hours after birth to exclude the possibility of infections acquired after delivery.
8. Anemia Screening
Blood tests are used to assess whether the infant may have anemia.
When drawing blood from an infant, healthcare providers typically collect samples from the infant’s heel. After sampling, it is important to maintain wound hygiene to prevent infection and other complications.
