05/21/2026
👣 NEWBORN METABOLIC SCREENING: A Tiny Test with a Big Purpose
Around 24–48 hours after birth, a simple heel-prick blood test—often called the newborn metabolic screen—helps identify rare but serious conditions before symptoms appear.
Why is it important?
Many metabolic, endocrine, genetic, and blood disorders are not visible at birth. Early detection allows treatment to begin right away, preventing serious complications and improving long-term outcomes.
🩸 How is the test done?
A few drops of blood are collected from your baby’s heel and placed on a special filter paper card. I then sent the sample to the state laboratory for analysis.
⏰ Why wait until 24–48 hours after birth?
Waiting allows your baby to begin feeding and their metabolism to adjust after birth, improving the accuracy of the screening results.
🔍 Conditions commonly screened for include:
• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sickle cell disease
• Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD)
• And many other inherited disorders A total of 54 conditions are tested in the state of Florida.
❤️ What parents should know
• The screening is quick and safe. I perform the test while baby is feeding or cuddling with mom.
• Most babies have normal results.
• An abnormal screen does not necessarily mean a baby has a disease—it means further testing may be needed.
• Early treatment can be life-changing and, in some cases, life-saving. The testing results can take 2 to 3 weeks to get back to me. Those results will be uploaded into your portal for you to have access to them.
A few drops of blood today can make a lifetime of difference tomorrow.