Tests Before Going Home

  • Hearing screen: All babies have a state-mandated hearing screen before being sent home for the first time.
  • Newborn screening: This test is sometimes called a PKU test. It is drawn at 24 hours of life. It looks at your baby’s blood for many serious but rare medical conditions. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to slow growth, developmental disabilities and possible death. Finding these conditions early and giving the right care may prevent serious problems in the future.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine: We encourage all parents to have their baby get the Hepatitis B shot (vaccine) before going home for the first time and continue to get all immunizations at the recommended times.
  • Car seat test: This test makes sure your baby’s heart rate, breathing and oxygen levels are stable while in the car seat. Your baby will need to sit in the car seat with a monitor on for a set amount of time before going home.
  • Cardiac tests: Your baby may have a discharge chest x-ray, echocardiogram and EKG before being sent home.

Special Considerations if Your Baby is Transferred to the NCH CTICU

Your baby will go to the step-down unit (H4A) when they are ready to leave the cardiac intensive care unit (CTICU, H4B). This happens when your baby is off breathing machines and can tolerate heart medicines and feedings. While on the step down unit, your baby will learn to eat, may slowly come off of oxygen support and will continue to recover. During the last 24 hours of the hospital stay you may be required to complete 'rooming in.' This helps parents get comfortable with all the care their baby will need once they are at home. Parents will give all the care for their baby on their own while still in the hospital. Parents will have had all the training needed before starting the rooming in period. Parents are asked to make all the bottles, give all medicines, complete all well-baby care and use any equipment the baby will need at home. Your baby may also have a discharge chest x-ray, echocardiogram and EKG before going home. Your child's pediatrician will receive information about your child's hospital stay.