General information only. This Parent Resource summarizes CDC public-health information about newborn screening. It does not interpret an individual baby’s result.

What is newborn screening?

CDC describes newborn screening as a public-health system that identifies conditions that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival. The purpose is early identification so that babies who may be affected can receive appropriate diagnostic evaluation and services through the health system.

How is dried blood spot screening performed?

CDC explains that shortly after birth a health professional takes a few drops of blood from the baby’s heel and places them on a newborn-screening filter-paper card. The dried blood sample is then sent to a newborn-screening laboratory for analysis.

What kinds of conditions can screening look for?

CDC states that newborn dried blood spot screening is used for certain serious genetic, endocrine and metabolic conditions. CDC also notes that newborn public-health screening can include hearing loss and critical congenital heart defects in addition to dried blood spot testing.

Does a screening result diagnose a condition?

Screening is used to identify babies who may need further evaluation; it is not the same as a final diagnosis. CDC family information distinguishes screening from the diagnostic and follow-up steps that may be required after an abnormal or non-passing result.

Are newborn-screening programmes identical everywhere?

No. CDC’s material describes the United States public-health system, where programmes are operated by states. The conditions included, programme processes and follow-up arrangements can differ by jurisdiction, so local public-health information remains the applicable source for a particular place.

A screening page cannot interpret an individual result. Questions about a particular newborn-screening report belong with the screening programme or a qualified health professional who has access to the actual result.

Related ChildSpecialist.in information

For a separate newborn topic, see newborn danger signs described in WHO information. For hearing-specific screening information, see newborn hearing screening.

References

  1. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Newborn Dried Blood Spot Screening, 11 March 2026.
  2. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Newborn Screening Resources for Families, 2 July 2026.