When is the newborn blood spot test done?
The heel prick screen is usually offered around day five in England. A repeat sample can be needed for several reasons and doesn’t always mean a condition was found.
The short answer
In England, the newborn blood spot test is usually offered when a baby is five days old. A health professional collects a few drops of blood from the heel. Ask your midwife or health visitor if the test has not been arranged.
What the test checks
The NHS says the newborn blood spot test looks for signs of several rare but serious conditions. Finding a possible condition early can help the care team arrange further checks and treatment. The exact conditions included can vary as screening programmes change, so use current local information.
A doctor pricks the heel and collects a few drops of blood on a special card. Your baby may cry or feel uncomfortable. The NHS suggests feeding and cuddling your baby and helping them stay warm and comfortable.
Timing and results
The test is normally done at five days old, though it may happen earlier or later. If your baby has not had it, tell your midwife, health visitor or GP so they can explain whether it can still be arranged.
The NHS says results should arrive by the time your baby is six weeks old. Sometimes a sample needs repeating. There can be several reasons for a repeat, and it doesn’t automatically mean that a condition was found. Ask the screening team to explain the specific result and next step.
Use your local screening information
This article describes the NHS programme in England. Screening schedules and the list of conditions can differ across the UK and other countries. Your local screening team is the right place to confirm timing, consent and results.
BabyDays can hold a reminder for a test or a note to ask about results. It can’t interpret a screening result. Keep any letter or follow up plan from your care team with your baby’s health records.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.