In the Netherlands shortly after the birth, at the age of five to seven days, babies are tested for a number of congenital diseases and to see if they are a carrier of sickle cell anaemia. The screening also checks for Cystic Fibrosis. The blood sample is taken by a child health clinic assistant. It is very important to detect the relevant diseases quickly to prevent or limit damage to the physical and mental development of your baby.

Either before or after the heel prick the child health clinic assistant will also carry out a hearing test on your baby.

For more information about the heel prick and hearing test  we refer you to the RIVM [National Institute of Public Health and the Environment]