Importance of newborn heel pr*ck test and is it ever refused?

[Kailani]

Has anyone refused the heel pr*ck test on their baby? How imperative is this test and why does the government regulate that the cards containing the blood samples be securely kept on file? Did you/will you hold your baby when this is done or leave the room?

I don't want my bubba jabbed at all and the thought of this test is really stressing me out, but I don't want to be negligent and ignorant on the matter either. I would really like to find out as much as I can on this screening procedure, any info, advice or experiences would help! TIA xox

[fionas]

TBH, I was slack and didn't do much (if any) research on what this was for and whether I thought it was necessary so good on you for seeking information.

DP and I were both in the room while she was having it done (DP held her) and ... she slept through it. Not a peep.

[Neenee Jellybeanie]

The test checks for genetic disorders such as and including cystic fibrosis, that's just about all I remember of it. It didn't bother DD at all.

[Arimeh]

Yeah I was just told it was to pick up on genetic disorders that may not have been picked up on through ultrasounds during the pregnancy.

DS screamed through his - but DD was being fed at the time and didn't even flinch - and they did it 3 times with her cos they didn't get enough blood!!!

Must be a girl thing to be tough

[kristy J]

mostly they check for CF. among other things its a very important test.

non of my boys even flinched.
and TBH it was the least of our worries for the twins they had so many needles after birth they started to look like a pin cousion.
its really a non event. kinda the same as if your getting your blood sugar checked. doesn't hurt really.

[The[cookie]Doctor]

Holly, a good hossy will tell you to bring baby down as they are due for a feed.
Breastfeeding is a great comfort to babies even if they dont end up crying it ill make him feel secure.
I sat on a couch and breastfed DS (football hold) and she *****ed him from behind me.

He didn't flinch and just kept on enjoying his boobyjuice.
As for the injection after birth, pfffft he didn't even need to be feeding he didn't care!!
He has never been much of a crier when it comes to needles.

[Laranna]

The heel ***** test (aka newborn screening test or Guthrie test) ensures the early detection and treatment of a number of rare but important conditions such as CF, phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism and lots of other metabolic conditions.

DS handled it pretty well. I got to cuddle him while they did it (twice in one foot cause they couldn't get enough blood!).

The hospital will only contact you about the results if they find anything out of the norm and then you go and do more tests. So if you hear nothing back afterwards, it's a good thing!

ETA - I second what cookiemonster said! BF your bub while they do it, it's very comforting.

[BeautifulMadness]

didnt bother my son at all. Me and my hubby were there and DH held him but he slept thru it. make sure they he/she is feed lol

[Floweryfields]

The test checks for genetic disorders such as and including cystic fibrosis, that's just about all I remember of it. It didn't bother DD at all.

Yes it does and if your child has CF, you really want to know as early as possible. With CF the child will waste away as they do not have the enzymes to digest what they are eating and therefore do not absorb the nutrients. I used to care for a child with CF.

[briggsy's girl]

i got the paperwork on this at booking appt last week - basically, they test for several disorders and "diagnose" around 54 cases (on average) each year in Victoria - this is from approx 62000 babies born

the main tested disorders are:
Phenylketonuria (~5 per year)
Congenital Hypothyroidism (~20 per year)
Cystic Fibroses (~20 per year)
Other rare metabolic disorders (~9 per year)

according to the handout we received, the sample cards are kept on file indefinitely, but identifying information is only used with the prior permission of the parents - so like Kate mentioned, there may be random samples used for testing for research, but if any identifying information is to be used, the parents have to agree to it....

[Amity]

WARNING - THIS MAY BE SCARY FOR SOME.

The newborn screening card can also be used to identify your child (by their DNA) should anything untoward happen to them. It may be the only source of DNA for your child if nothing else is available, especially if the child is very little or there is a significant time period between the child disappearing and the discovery of their body.

Jaidyn Leskie's body was identified using this method (DNA sequencing from newborn screening card).

In a way, keeping the card indefinitely may actually help some people, in the most difficult of situations.

I don't mean to scare anybody, but I personally think it's a good thing.