The first examinations on the baby

Basic examination. The paediatrician performs a full examination on all newborn babies. The status of the baby and its needs are assessed.

Neonatal screening or early detection of diseases. This includes tests for hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and some hereditary metabolic diseases. It is performed from 48 hours of life. The nurse pricks the surface of the heel, obtains small sample of blood and blots it on to absorbent card.

Newborn hearing screening (Automated Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials - aBAEP). It is an examination used to detect a moderate to severe hearing deficiency at the time of birth. It is rapid, does not hurt, and is done while the child is sleeping, and a report is produced immediately. Some electrodes are placed on the head of the baby and earphones are put in place. They are connected to an apparatus that emits sounds at different frequencies and automatically analyses the response of the newborn child to the sound from the external ear until it reaches the brain.