Title: What do newborn screening tests look for? | BabyCenter
Headings: Newborn screening tests: Which ones your baby will have and why
Newborn screening tests: Which ones your baby will have and why
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is a newborn screening test?
When and where will my baby be tested?
Which disorders will my newborn be tested for?
How much does newborn screening cost?
Will the screening tests hurt my baby? How are they done?
When do I get the screening results?
My baby's metabolic screening test came back positive. Is something wrong with my baby?
What if my baby is born prematurely or has a health problem? Are the same tests given after birth?
What if I don't want my baby to undergo any newborn screening tests?
Why don't all states screen for as many disorders as possible?
What if I want more newborn screening tests than my state requires?
Where can I find more information about newborn screening tests?

Content: Each state's health department decides which tests it requires, based on factors such as: Reliability. Can the test catch most cases of a disorder without mistakenly raising too many red flags for healthy babies? Effectiveness. Will catching the disorder right after birth help? Is there an effective treatment, and does it work best when started as early as possible? Cost and funding. Can a responsible party – usually the parent's insurance company, Medicaid, or the state – afford the test for all newborns? Do the benefits of identifying the disorder justify the cost? What if I want more newborn screening tests than my state requires?