Question
What does it mean if a newborn’s heel prick test shows an abnormal result?
Answer
The newborn heel prick test is a routine examination used to screen for congenital diseases, particularly for conditions such as congenital hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. According to the current test results, all indicators have not shown any abnormalities, so the risk of these three diseases can be excluded. Parents do not need to be overly concerned. If the baby’s test results show abnormalities, it is recommended to conduct further examinations to determine whether treatment is needed. Generally, multiple tests may be required to ensure the accuracy of the results. At the same time, parents should pay attention to maintaining the baby’s personal hygiene and cultivating good living habits. During breastfeeding, mothers should maintain a light diet and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods to promote the healthy growth of the baby.