Newborn blood spot sampling

Newborn blood spot screening should be offered to every newborn baby resident in the UK, and those that move into the UK up to the age of one year. Newborn blood spot screening tests are performed between 5-8 days after birth, ideally on day 5 (counting the date of birth as day 0). Blood spot sampling guidelines have been developed to provide a consistent approach to newborn blood spot sampling, reduce pain during the heel puncture and enable health professionals to obtain good quality samples and reduce the need for repeat samples.