The 6–8 week check

Abstract

Universal screening is offered to all children in the UK, as specified in the Department of Health’s core document National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity. Screening programmes help early detection of health problems, maximising opportunities for timely intervention and best outcomes for children. Newborns are inspected immediately after birth. A full physical examination is conducted within 72 hours. Babies are screened for six inherited metabolic diseases in addition to hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis and haemoglobinopathies. Newborn hearing screen is universal. The 6–8 week check is an integral part of the screening schedule for children in the UK.

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