Your Questions - About the test
When is the test done?
Over 70% of babies will be tested in the first week of life or as soon as possible after that. The aim is that screening will have been completed by 4 weeks of age. This may not be the case if your baby is born early or is unwell and requires admission to Special Care Baby Unit in which case the test will be carried out as soon as it is appropriate to do so.
Where is the test done?
We try to screen as many babies as possible in the hospital so we hope to offer the test in hospital before you go home. If not, it can be done at home or in a local clinic.
How is the test done?
The screening test is done by a trained screener while your baby is settled or asleep. It will not hurt your baby or feel uncomfortable. The test only takes a few minutes and you can stay with your baby while the test is done.