Test & specimen information
Newborn bloodspot screening
Overview
Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) is a program that identifies babies at risk of rare, but serious medical conditions. These conditions can affect normal development and life expectancy. NBS is performed on a few drops of blood. This blood is collected soon after birth by pricking the baby's heel (heel prick test).
While NBS is a biochemistry based test, it does include targeted single gene testing for CFTR and SMN.
Newborn bloodspot screening is funded by the Department of Health and offered free to all babies in Victoria.
Test type
Biochemistry
Genes tested
Turnaround time
2 working days.
CFTR gene test - up to 20 working days.
Cost
Free for Victorian babies.