Newborn screening is a way to identify common conditions that can be treated if caught early, minimising the impacts on long-term health and survival. The NBS program is a free test offered to you a few days after your baby is born. If you agree to the testing, a midwife or nurse will prick your baby’s heel and collect a small sample of blood on a special filter paper card – a ‘bloodspot’ – which will be sent to a laboratory to test for conditions such as SMA. 

Early diagnosis of conditions like SMA is important, because it means treatment can be started as early as possible and the impacts of SMA on your child can be reduced. 

Collecting a bloodspot is safe and does not harm your baby – they may feel some brief discomfort, but holding or feeding them while the bloodspot is collected can help.   

Results will be reported to your doctor a few days or weeks after the sample has been collected. Timing differs between States/Territories. 

If your child is diagnosed with SMA, your GP will refer you to a neurologist who will take you through next steps, including further information on living with the condition and the treatment options available.