Newborn Screening Test for Your Baby

This test is a routine screening performed shortly after birth to check your newborn for serious but rare health conditions that may not cause any obvious signs or symptoms early in life, so that treatment can begin as soon as possible if something is found.

The 17-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in a baby's blood. 17-OHP is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This test is primarily used as part of newborn screening programs to detect congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a rare genetic disorder that affects the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol and aldosterone hormones.

A nurse or trained technician gently pricks your baby's heel and collects a few small drops of blood on a special filter paper card. The sample is usually taken within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, often while your baby is calm or sleeping.

A healthcare professional will clean the baby's heel with alcohol and use a small lancet to prick the heel. A few drops of blood are collected onto a special filter paper card. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test is typically done before the baby leaves the hospital, usually within 24-48 hours after birth.

This test is important because many of the conditions it screens for show no symptoms at first but can lead to serious health problems, developmental delays, or lifelong complications if left untreated. Finding them early means your baby's care team can start treatment right away, when it is most effective.

CAH is a genetic condition that causes the adrenal glands to produce too little cortisol and often too much androgen (male hormones). Without treatment, CAH can lead to serious problems including salt-wasting crises, dehydration, abnormal puberty, and growth problems. Early detection through newborn screening allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent these complications and help children lead healthy lives.

Most babies receive normal results, which means none of the screened conditions were detected. If a result falls outside the expected range, it does not necessarily mean your baby has a condition; additional follow-up testing will be arranged to confirm or rule out the finding before any diagnosis is made.

Normal 17-OHP levels vary by age and gestational age. If the initial test shows elevated 17-OHP levels, it does not automatically mean your baby has CAH. Premature babies often have higher levels. Follow-up testing will be recommended to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. A diagnostic specialist will contact you if additional testing is needed.

Yes, the test is very safe. The heel prick causes only brief discomfort, similar to a quick pinch, and your baby can be fed and comforted immediately afterward. The small risk of temporary discomfort is far outweighed by the benefit of catching treatable conditions early.

Yes, the heel stick test is very safe. It may cause brief discomfort to your baby, but the amount of blood taken is minimal. The benefits of early detection of serious conditions far outweigh the temporary discomfort of the test.