Newborn screening

Newborn screening finds conditions early and prevents serious problems. Hospitals usually do it automatically.

What is screened

1. Congenital metabolic disorder screening — a small blood sample from the heel, checking conditions that are treatable if found early.
2. Newborn hearing screening — whether the baby responds to sound. Late detection affects language development.
3. Jaundice check — whether the skin turns yellow.
4. Congenital heart and structural checks
5. Weight, length and head circumference

Most is free or very low cost with state support. The hospital will explain.

Steps

1. The hospital performs the tests, usually before discharge.
2. Check the results. If anything is abnormal you receive a re-test notice.
3. Always attend the re-test. Most turn out normal, but it must be confirmed.
4. Keep the records in the baby's handbook.
5. Check the upcoming infant health check schedule.

What you need

• Mother's and baby's details
• Parents' Alien Registration Cards
• The baby's handbook

Where to go

• The hospital where you gave birth
• Your nearest public health centre
• 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service (infant check-ups)
• 129 health and welfare counselling
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages)

Questions people ask

The result says "re-test". Do not panic. Most are confirmed normal. But always attend — some conditions must not miss their treatment window.

My baby has foreign nationality. Screening is available. The scope of cost support may differ — check with the hospital and health centre.

I gave birth at home. Contact a public health centre or paediatrician immediately. The tests have a time window.

They say there was no response in the hearing test. Get a detailed ENT examination straight away. Early detection helps language development greatly.

Take care

Do not lose the baby's handbook. It holds all vaccination and check-up records. Photograph it and save to the cloud. You will need it for daycare, school entry and returning to your home country.

Related

child-health-check · vaccination-children · pediatric-hospital · postpartum-care

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08