Newborn Screening Program

Early Diagnoses That Could Prevent Developmental Delays

To ensure your baby’s health, Valley Baptist Medical Center offers newborn screening to detect health problems that aren’t immediately apparent at birth. Finding these problems as early as possible is important. With just a few simple tests, you can help prevent further difficulties down the line.

How It Works

We provide your newborn’s initial screenings during your stay at the hospital. You’ll then see your pediatrician or family medicine doctor for a second screening when your baby is 7 to 14 days of age.

We offer:

• Newborn physical examination: Every child receives a physical exam after birth to check their eyes, heart, hips and more.
• Hearing screening test: A hearing screening is provided soon after your baby is born. This helps identify babies that already have hearing loss.
• Blood spot (heel prick) test: A small sample of your baby’s blood is taken and sent to a lab to be tested for nine health conditions. If the screening shows a possible health problem, you’ll need to take your baby in for a follow-up test.

Follow-up Care

It’s important to act early if your child does have a health problem. Be sure to follow up with your health care provider if an issue is found. Make sure the hospital and your health care provider have the correct address and phone number where you can be reached. If you move, make sure your health care provider has the updated information.

You can learn more about newborn screening from these organizations:

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Centers for Disease Control