Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares What Parents Need to Know About Newborn Screening

September 15, 2025
Media Contact: Dr Zelalem Attlee, Zelalem.Attlee@vdh.virginia.gov

Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Shares What Parents Need to Know About Newborn Screening
September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month

WARRENTON, Va.– Did you know that by the time a baby is two days old they’ve already taken three of the most important tests of their life? Newborn screenings can identify the risk of more than 30 disorders. During National Newborn Screening Awareness month, The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) Department of Health wants to let new parents know how early detection gives babies the best chance for a long and healthy life.

“The first days of life are filled with milestones, and newborn screening is one of the most important,” said Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District Director James B. Carr, M.D. “These simple tests, done within the first 48 hours, give us the ability to detect conditions that otherwise might not be noticed until it is too late. Early detection means early treatment—and that gives every child in our community the best possible start to a long, healthy life.”

In Virginia there are three types of newborn screenings

The Newborn Bloodspot Screening is done by pricking the baby’s heel to get a tiny blood sample. Just a few drops go onto a paper card which is sent to a lab, to check for genetic and potentially life-threatening disorders. Your pediatrician will get results in about a week.

Newborns are also screened for heart defects. The CCHD screening is a quick and painless test. A nurse will place a light sensor on the baby’s finger or toe. The sensor measures how much oxygen is in the blood. Without the test, you may not notice right away that anything is wrong with the baby. If CCHD finds that your baby has a heart defect, you can make sure your baby is seen by a specialist to get the care they need to live a healthy life.

The Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program will identify congenital hearing loss. Staff can schedule a follow-up test and early intervention services if needed.

Here’s what parents can do:

  • Ask your baby’s doctor for test results to make sure the doctor got them, and that they are normal.
  • If you are planning a home birth, talk to your doctor about getting the screenings.

If your baby is born in a hospital, all screenings will take place in the hospital within the first 24 to 48 hours of life. Early detection and treatment often prevent serious illness, disability or even death. If any newborn screening results are abnormal, the Virginia Department of Health’s Newborn Screening Programs are here to help.

Parents can find more information and resources by reaching out to The Rappahannock-Rapidan Health District (RRHD) Health Department (www.rrhd.org).

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