Your Lead Maternity Carer will talk to you about the screening test and give you the opportunity to ask questions.  Your Lead Maternity Carer will also give you a brochure containing information about the Newborn Metabolic Screening Programme.  If you agree to having the test done, a few drops of blood are taken from your baby's heel.  The drops of blood from your baby's heel will be placed on the blood spot card and information relating to your baby will be written on the card.

The blood test is carried out as soon after 48 hours as possible and sent to the National Testing Centre at Auckland City Hospital for testing.

 

Who performs the test?

Generally, your Lead Maternity Carer, a hospital midwife or a trained blood taker (phlebotomist) will perform the heel prick test.

 

When and where should the test be done?

The heel prick blood test should be performed at 48 hours of age or as soon as possible thereafter.  The Lead Maternity Carer may do the test either at hospital or at home.

 

Preparing your baby for the test

Your LMC will ask that you put booties on your baby and/or wrap your baby's feet up well prior to the test. This ensures that your baby's heel is warm and well perfused and therefore makes it easier and quicker to perform the heel prick. Having a heel prick might cause your baby a small amount of discomfort.  You might want to feed or cuddle your baby while the blood sample is being taken.  Your Lead Maternity Carer will be able to talk to you about other ways of keeping your baby comfortable during the heel prick.

For more information, see the pamphlet 'Your Newborn Baby's Blood Test'.