Newborn Screening

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 published its annual report for 2023 which includes a detailed summary of the activity and information regarding these two National Screening Programmes. The 2023 annual report builds on the publication last year of the three year report covering 2020-2022. Both are available to download below.

HSE National Childrens Screening Services Report 2023 (PDF, size 1.7 MB, 48 pages)

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