Blood is routinely drawn from newborn infants for testing. Blood is
obtained by "heel stick" and collected on a special blotter paper.
Routine testing usually includes phenylketonuria, thyroid function,
hemoglobin S (sickle cell disease), and may test for other
disorders. Newborn screening programs vary from state to state.
Testing can be tailored to the local population, determining what
routine testing should be done.
Review Date: 05/01/2011
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
