The state of Massachusetts routinely screens for genetic and rare medical conditions, prior to your departure from the hospital. The goal is to identify and treat diseases early enough to prevent serious complications such as growth problems, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, blindness and deafness. The following screenings are typically done at the hospital:
- Hearing Test
- Cardiac Test
- Blood Tests (done with a few drops of blood taken from your baby's heel) These include testing for diseases such as thyroid, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, metabolic abnormalities. These are processed at the New England Newborn Screening Program.
The results of these usually take 2-4 weeks to come back. The results are sent to the pediatrician you tell the birth hospital will be your baby's PCP.
