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Baby Screening

A series of tests on babies health and development are offered by the NHS.  Your health visitor will also give you details of baby clinics, where you can get your baby weighed regularly and also discuss any problems with you.

Age	Name of test	What is it?	Futher comments
1 day - month	Hearing	A hearing test will be offered in certain areas, if not in your area then the test will be offered at 6-8 months.	In future the newborn test will be offered as the norm in all areas.
1-3 days	Physical examination	Screen his heart, check hips and eyes and in boys check testes.	Also includes general physical examination.
5-8 days	Bloodspot	Blood test via heel-prick sample to test for phenylketonuria & congenital hypothyroidism. Screening for sickle cell disorders & cystic fibrosis is also being introduced.
6-8 weeks	Physical examination	Screen his heart, check hips and eyes and in boys check testes. Weight check.
6-36 months	Hearing test at 6-8 months. General reviews between 8-36 months.	Hearing test at 6-8 months if not given previously.	At 8-12 months and at 2 and 3 years your childs general well being will be reviewed. See also  immunisation programme.
3½ - 4½ years	School entry vision screening, height & weight, dental & hearing screening.	A review for general well-being.

See also main website for NHS Screening programmes

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