Newborn Tests & Treatments

When you deliver your baby at VHC Health in Arlington, your baby will receive tests and treatments to assess and protect their health.

Pediatric Visit

Your baby’s pediatrician will visit you and your baby shortly after they are born. If you don't have a pediatrician at the time you deliver, a pediatrician from Children’s National Health System will see your baby during your hospital stay. You’ll receive a separate bill from the pediatrician for their services.

Newborn Metabolic Screening

Your baby will receive a blood test to screen for more than 50 metabolic diseases, genetic disorders and anemia. Newborn metabolic screenings happen once your baby is 24 hours or older and has been through at least one feeding. A lab technician will draw blood from your baby’s heel in your room or the nursery. You will receive the results from your pediatrician within two weeks of the screening.

Bilirubin Test

Rely on your care team to monitor your baby’s bilirubin level, which can show if your baby has a health condition such as anemia, jaundice or a liver problem. Babies reduce their bilirubin levels through their urine and stool.

If your baby’s bilirubin gets too high, it can cause jaundice or make your baby sick. You’ll appreciate knowing that we test all babies and treat conditions before their bilirubin levels become dangerous.

Treatment for Jaundice

If your baby has a high bilirubin level, they may receive phototherapy treatment for jaundice. Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin or eyes and happens in about 50% of babies. During treatment, your baby will lie on a blanket, wearing a diaper and a mask, under safe levels of ultraviolet (UV) light.

High bilirubin levels may last past your baby’s hospital stay. Partner with your pediatrician to determine a treatment plan for after you return home.

Hearing Screening

Your baby will have a hearing test the day after birth. To test hearing, a technician will place a soft earpiece over your baby’s ears and hook up sensors to monitor the brain's response to sound. This test takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and can be done at your bedside or in the nursery.

Not all babies pass the test the first time. It takes time for amniotic fluid and earwax to evaporate after birth.

Oxygen Saturation Test

Once your baby is 24 hours old, they’ll receive a painless pulse oximetry (pulse ox) test to measure how much oxygen is in their blood. This test detects signs of congenital heart disease (CHD).

Additional Blood Tests

Your doctor may recommend:

Blood glucose test – Checks for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Complete blood count (CBC) – Detects problems like anemia, infections and inflammation

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Vaccinating your baby helps protect them from serious health problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a three-shot hepatitis B vaccination series. Your baby can receive the first shot in the Hospital. The two follow-up shots will take place at your pediatrician’s office.

Congenital Heart Disease Screening

All babies get this screening.

Circumcision

Circumcision means to cut off the foreskin of the penis. Tell your doctor if you want to circumcise your son. Your doctor will help you schedule the circumcision during your Hospital stay and perform the procedure.