Who?

Wh e
What? n?

Newborn
Blood Spot
Screening

r e? Why?
W he
 Who?
Every baby on CICU!

It is a national screen for

every baby born in the UK

Consent must be sought

from parents and
documented Carevue

If refused, fill out card and

write DECLINED on card
 What?
 Blood can be from a heel prick or arterial sample
 Blood must be kept inside the circle and fill the circle
 Baby’s NHS number must be on the form as many
change their names or address!
 When?
Premature
baby?
 1 spot Day 0 (Day of birth)
 Regardless if unwell or going to Different rules
receive a transfusion apply. See
http
://newbornbloodsp
 4 spots Day 5 AND 4 spots ot.screening.nhs.u
k/
72 hours post transfusion
Or speak to the
 If Day 0 bloodspot was done this neonatal nurse
must be sent to the lab reception advisors or
stapled to the day 5 bloodspot neonatal trained
nurses on CICU
 Where?
Ideal heel prick sites

 If in doubt seek assistance from

neonatal nurse advisers or
neonatal nurses on your unit What can happen if done
incorrectly!!!
 Why?
 Current screen is for 5 predominantly metabolic
conditions:
 CF (Cystic fibrosis)
 MCADD (Medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency)
 PKU (Phenylketonuria)
 Sickle cell
 Hypothyroidism.

 Trial being conducted to add 5 more

 Many are managed by diet change +/- medication
 It is your responsibility to check this test has
been offered and completed!
 Summary of Key Points

 WHO? Every child on CICU

 WHAT? to do… complete all aspects
of form especially NHS number
 WHEN? - Day 0, day 5 AND 72
hours post transfusion (different if
premature child)
 WHERE? Use arterial or heel prick
blood
 WHY? Government screening
requirement for all babies. Early
identification means treatment can
be commenced promptly.
Remember… parents have the right to
refuse and must give consent