Heel prick
In the first week after birth, you will have the opportunity to have the heel prick done on your baby.
This is a nationwide screening in which a few drops of blood are taken from the baby's heel. This examination looks for a number of rare but treatable conditions.
The heel prick is taken when your baby is at least 72 hours old. In our practice, we as midwives usually perform the heel prick ourselves during one of the visits at your home. The blood is then sent to the laboratory for further investigation.
You will receive a letter from the RIVM within about five weeks with the results of the heel prick. If something is found that requires further investigation, the general practitioner will contact you.