Don’t skip newborn heel‑prick and hearing tests

A single heel‑prick blood test and one hearing test can detect hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, and hearing loss even when the baby appears perfectly healthy. By the time symptoms become obvious, any intellectual damage is already irreversible.

In most areas these tests are free; otherwise they cost only a few dozen yuan. Some extra screening items may require out‑of‑pocket payment.

Article 3 of the “Administrative Measures for Newborn Disease Screening” lists congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, other inherited metabolic disorders, and hearing impairment as nationally mandated screening targets. All of these conditions show no outward signs early on; once symptoms appear, lasting intellectual harm has already occurred. Early detection and prompt treatment—such as thyroid hormone replacement, special formula milk, hearing aids, or cochlear implants—yield excellent outcomes. Article 10 further stipulates that any positive screening result must be promptly communicated to parents for confirmatory diagnosis.

Article 11 requires that before screening, parents be fully informed of the tests, eligibility criteria, procedures, sensitivity rates, and associated costs, and must give written consent. Consequently, you’ll receive an informed‑consent form. Carefully review which conditions are covered by the state program and which extra items incur personal fees. A positive initial result does not mean a definitive diagnosis; most infants are cleared after a single follow‑up test, so there’s no need to panic at this stage. If a newborn fails the initial hearing screen, follow the instructions for a repeat test—don’t assume “if the baby seems to hear, it’s fine.”

卫生部 (2009). 新生儿疾病筛查管理办法（卫生部令第 64 号，第三、十、十一条）. http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2009/content_1371363.htm