Newborn blood screening test

[Bella Mia]

Hi all - I know it's different everywhere, but in AZ the state has you do the newborn blood screening test twice - once while in the hospital and then once when the babe is 1-2 weeks old.

What are your thoughts on this test? My ds had the one done in the hospital, but I'm debating whether to have the second one done or not. The only thing I could find is that sometimes the PKU test isn't as accurate if the test is given before the baby is 24 hours old so they do the second one just in case . . .

I'd love to know your thoughts!! TIA

[Catherine12]

I don't know if the second one is actually less accurate (I'd love to have this answered) but the second one is a lot easier. It is hard to get enough blood from a newborn and they will probably have to squeeze your baby's foot a lot (with the baby screaming the whole time). If you wait a few days, it goes much smoother, and if your milk has come in and baby is nursing well they can nurse right through it - much less traumatic for them.

[takasmom]

from what i have read, you can't do the PKU (and other metabolic screening) until after your milk has come in. my mw does it at the one week visit.

[Jes'sBeth]

I tend to think that it's a pretty quick test and if you happen to have a child with PKU (i know, incredibly rare!) it is a small price to pay (getting your heel pricked) for a quick diagnosis that will lead to a great outcome. It's just annoying that they make you do it twice. Why not just wait the extra few days and just do it once???