US Medical Term · maternity
Newborn Screening
Tamizaje neonatal
Also: Cribado neonatal (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Newborn Screening |
| Spanish (Español) | Tamizaje neonatal |
| Chinese (中文) | 新生兒篩查 |
| Korean (한국어) | 신생아 선별검사 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Sàng lọc sơ sinh |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Newborn screening |
| Portuguese (Português) | Triagem neonatal |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การคัดกรองทารกแรกเกิด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 新生児スクリーニング |
What it means
Newborn screening is a public health program that tests every baby born in the US for a set of serious but treatable health conditions. Within 24 to 48 hours of birth, a small blood sample is taken from the baby's heel and sent to a state lab. Most states screen for more than 30 conditions including phenylketonuria (PKU), sickle cell disease, congenital hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis. Hearing screening and a heart defect check are also part of the standard newborn screen. Early detection allows treatment to begin before symptoms appear, preventing intellectual disability or death.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
When will my baby have the heel-stick test for newborn screening?
¿Cuándo se le hará a mi bebé el examen del talón para el tamizaje neonatal?
My baby's newborn screen came back with an abnormal result — what does that mean?
El tamizaje neonatal de mi bebé salió con un resultado anormal — ¿qué significa eso?
What conditions does the newborn screening test for in this state?
¿Qué afecciones detecta el tamizaje neonatal en este estado?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
Z13 Encounter for screening for other diseases and disordersRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026