In Ireland, the HSE National Children’s Screening Service delivers two population level screening programmes for newborn babies – the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme and the National Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme. The key focus of both screening programmes is early identification of serious medical conditions and appropriate interventions to reduce mortality and/or morbidity in our population.
The HSE National Children’s Screening Service has produced a three year report with a detailed summary of the activity of, and information regarding, these two National Screening Programmes.
HSE National Childrens Screening Programmes Report 2020-2022 (PDF, 1.1 MB, 45 pages)
Newborn Bloodspot Screening
All babies born in Ireland are screened for 9 medical conditions soon after birth. This is often called the ‘Heel Prick'.
Newborn bloodspot screening
Information for healthcare professionals and sample takers
For general newborn bloodspot screening queries please contact child.screening@hse.ie. This email address cannot be used regarding queries on newborn bloodspot screening samples or results, please contact your local Public Health Nurse or the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Laboratory at info.newbornscreening@cuh.ie
Newborn Hearing Screening
Read about Newborn Hearing Screening
For any queries on newborn hearing screening please contact child.screening@hse.ie
