Sometimes a baby needs to have more tests. This doesn’t mean they have one of the treatable conditions they were screened for. It means they will need more tests to find out whether they have one of the treatable conditions.
Testing is important because even though a baby looks and acts healthy, they could still have one of the treatable conditions. It’s normal to feel worried if your baby needs more testing, but you’ll have support from specialists and other healthcare providers.
How will I know if my baby needs more tests?
A doctor, nurse or midwife will contact you if your baby needs more tests. Do your best to listen carefully to what they say. Ask them any questions you have. You might find taking notes is helpful.
If you’re ever worried about your baby’s health, follow the instructions the doctor, nurse or midwife gave you.
What can I expect with more testing?
A doctor, nurse or midwife will explain everything that will happen with more testing, and they will answer your questions. Your baby may need to have their blood and urine (pee) tested to check if they have one of the treatable conditions. The doctor may also order other tests.
More tests may happen at a clinic in Edmonton or Calgary that specializes in the treatable conditions. You may also be referred to a family doctor for testing.
What if more testing shows my baby has one of the treatable conditions?
If more tests show that your baby has one of the treatable conditions, you and your baby will get the support you need and the best care available. Specialists will make a care plan for your baby.
What causes the treatable conditions?
These treatable conditions are often genetic. Babies can have some of the treatable conditions when there is a change in a gene, which gets passed down to them. Sometimes the treatable conditions can happen for no reason. The treatable conditions aren’t caused by anything that happened during pregnancy.
Where can I find more information about the treatable conditions?
If your baby needs more tests, you may want to learn more about the treatable condition. Just remember that it’s important to get information from sources that are based on facts and research. Always be careful when searching for information about the treatable conditions on the internet. There’s outdated and unreliable information out there that may not be true today.
For a list of the treatable conditions, go to
Newborn Metabolic Screening Program | Alberta Health Services.
If you have questions about your baby’s treatable condition or your baby’s health, talk to a family doctor, nurse, or specialist. They can help to answer your questions and tell you where to find information that you can trust.
