While in the hospital, what all are newborns screened for at birth?

Question

While in the hospital, what all are newborns screened for at birth?

Answer 1

At my hospital, they test for several things.  Since I am in a area with a lot of drug users, they did ask me to sign a form for the test, but they tested him for drugs and alcohol.  My midwife wanted it since I had only gained 5 lbs while preggo... but whatever.  They also tested his eyes, hearing, and man they messed up and had to stick his feet 3 times to get some blood.  Man did I flip out from that.  But he did also get a shot at one day old, as well as some drops in his eyes about a hour and a half after he was born.  They were kind enough to let me and hubby sit there with him for a good lone while before they took him for his tests.  But remember every state is different, and also hospitals are different.  Another biggie is it depends a lot on what tests you had while pregnant.  Like they did not need to test for HIV or anything like that, since they did that for me at the first appointment, and about a month before my son was born.  :)

Answer 2

My son was screened for PKU and given a shot when he was 1 day old.

Answer 3

It varies from state to state.  You can ask your OB or the hospital, they must provide testing information upon request.

Answer 4

Each hospital seems to have their own policy with tests and screenings.  I know they all test hearing and muscle tone, test glucose level, body temp and their ability to suck and test billirubin levels.  Other tests are done at some hospitals including drug testing and HIV testing but my boys didn't have any of that done.