Infant screening examinations

In this article:

• What is the purpose of screenings?
• Newborn screening tests
• The role of the health visitor system
• The importance of ultrasound examinations

Regular check-ups by pediatricians and health visitors, along with ultrasound examinations, provide a clear picture of the baby’s condition, helping prevent serious health concerns. Learn more about screening tests and their significance in our article!

What is the purpose of screenings?

The primary goal of infant screening tests is prevention—avoiding the development of diseases and identifying potential health issues early on. Many conditions can be effectively treated or managed if detected in time. However, if left unnoticed, they may lead to serious complications or pathological changes over time.

Newborn screening tests

Screening by health visitors and the assessment of risk factors begin during pregnancy as part of prenatal care. The first examinations of the baby take place within 24 hours of birth in the maternity ward.
At this stage, a probe is used to check the patency of the nasal passages, esophagus, and anus. In the neonatal unit, tests assess the baby’s physical development, including weight, length, and head circumference measurements. Screenings for developmental abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia, as well as hearing and vision tests, are also conducted. Additionally, targeted screening for congenital metabolic disorders is performed.

The role of the health visitor system

Health visitors play a key role in newborn screenings. Within 48–72 hours after discharge from the hospital, the health visitor makes a home visit to check on the newborn. During this visit, they discuss the birth and its circumstances, while also providing general advice to parents on newborn care.

Topics covered include breastfeeding, proper latching techniques, skincare, umbilical cord care, diapering, proper holding and sleeping positions, and any other concerns parents may have. The health visitor also ensures that all mandatory newborn screenings and vaccinations were completed in the maternity ward.

During monthly visits, they regularly monitor the baby’s weight, length, and head circumference, as well as track nutrition and overall development. The health visitor system serves as an essential link between families and the healthcare system, often being the first to notice any concerns that may require further medical examinations.

The pediatrician also plays a crucial role, not only tracking the baby’s growth but also performing auscultation, palpation, and neurological examinations to detect any irregularities and determine if further tests are needed.

The importance of ultrasound examinations

Some screening tests are performed even before birth, such as detecting heart or kidney developmental abnormalities in the fetus. If any irregularities are found at this stage, further targeted examinations can be conducted earlier after birth.
Ultrasound examinations are crucial because they provide a detailed image of the anatomical condition of organs, which cannot be determined by visual inspection alone. It is also important to emphasize that these examinations are completely painless.

As long as the fontanelle remains open, a cranial ultrasound can be performed, allowing the examination of the brain’s anatomical structures and the size of the brain ventricles. This is especially useful for premature infants, as they are at a higher risk of developing brain hemorrhages during birth. Ultrasound imaging helps in closely monitoring these conditions.

The development of the hips can be assessed through physical examination, but imaging techniques provide much more accurate results regarding the angle and degree of fit of the femoral head in the hip socket. For this reason, hip ultrasound has become a routine screening test.

During an abdominal ultrasound, the anatomical condition of the abdominal organs and kidney development can be examined. Any abnormalities or developmental issues can be detected through this non-invasive examination.

Regular infant screening examinations are crucial for early diagnosis, allowing for timely treatment and ensuring healthy development. The close collaboration between pediatricians and health visitors ensures that both parents and babies receive the best possible care, helping to prevent more serious health issues.