Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Every newborn baby in Australia is offered a test for rare, but serious, medical conditions.
  • The conditions tested for include phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and other rare genetic conditions.
  • You can choose whether you want your baby to have this test.
  • A midwife will take a blood sample by pricking your baby’s heel. A few drops are collected on a piece of card.
  • This usually happens between 48 and 72 hours after your baby is born.
  • The card is then sent to a laboratory for testing.
  • Most babies will have a normal test result. 
  • Sometimes a repeat test is needed. The results will usually be normal. 
  • If your baby is found to have a serious medical condition, you will be contacted to arrange treatment for your baby. 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 01-04-2022