Heel Prick and Hearing Test
When your baby is between 4 and 7 days old, a nurse from the consultatiebureau (child health clinic) will visit your home to perform the heel prick and hearing test.
After the birth has been officially registered with the municipality, you and the maternity nurse request these screenings from the GGD (Public Health Service).
What you need to know about the heel prick test
For the heel prick, a few drops of blood are taken from your baby’s heel. The blood is tested for rare but serious metabolic disorders. These conditions cannot be cured, but if detected early, treatment (such as medication or a special diet) can prevent severe symptoms. If too little blood was collected or the results are unclear, another sample may be needed. Your GP (family doctor, huisarts) will contact you if this happens. Your GP will also inform you if any abnormal results are found.
Your baby's hearing test
The hearing test is done at the same time. It checks whether sound waves can pass freely through your baby’s ear canal. Sometimes, there’s still fluid in the ear, and the test needs to be repeated. Good hearing is essential for normal speech development.
You can find all important information about these screenings in the brochure below.
Brochure on screenings for newborns