Which newborn screening tests are routinely performed?

• A. Heel-prick metabolic screening (PKU, hypothyroidism), hearing screen, and CCHD screening
• B. Only hearing screen
• C. Genetic sequencing
• D. Vision and hearing screen only

Answer: (A)

Newborn screening is a standard set of tests done soon after birth to catch serious conditions early and start treatment as soon as possible. The screening typically includes a heel-prick blood test that looks for metabolic and endocrine disorders, such as phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism. In addition, most newborns receive a hearing screen to detect potential hearing loss early, which is crucial for language and speech development. Many programs also perform a pulse-oximetry screen to check for critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) before discharge from the hospital. Put together, these components form the routine newborn screening bundle.

Relying on only a hearing screen would miss metabolic and heart-condition issues. Genetic sequencing is not yet a standard, routine newborn test due to cost, turnaround time, and follow-up implications. Vision screening alone also wouldn’t detect the metabolic or cardiac concerns included in routine newborn screening.