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Newborn screening
We offer screening tests for your baby soon after they are born. These tests help to identify if your baby may have a health problem and can then be given appropriate treatment as quickly as possible if needed.
Screening tests are not perfect. Some families will be told that their baby has a high chance of having a health problem when in fact they do not have the problem, and a few may be be told their baby has a low chance of having a health problem when in fact they do have the problem.
A screening test can find out if your baby has a high or low chance of having a health problem, but it cannot usually tell you for certain. If your baby is found to have a high chance of a health problem you will be offered a further test.
We offer the following tests for your newborn baby:
We would like to invite you to consider taking part in our research study on newborn genetic screening for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Taking part is voluntary and is entirely up to you to decide whether this is something you would like to do.
This is a rare disorder, so the vast majority of babies will not have the condition, but for those who do early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
This can be done as part of your baby’s routine screen on day 5 after birth.
We have prepared an information sheet if you would like more information: Spinal Muscular Atrophy research study
To register your interest, please complete the newborn screening for SMA contact form.