Infection screening for newborn babies
Read our guide below which explains about infection screening for your newborn baby.
You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.
Why do I need to know about infection screening for my newborn baby?
Your baby’s at risk of developing or is showing early signs of a potentially serious infection.
What kinds of infection are you looking for?
We see infections more often in newborn babies because their immune system isn’t fully developed. This means they can become very sick if we don’t treat the infection early.
Serious types of infection in newborn babies include:
- pneumonia (chest infection)
- septicaemia (blood infection), which can lead to sepsis
- meningitis (infection in the fluid around the brain and spinal cord).
What does an infection screen involve?
Most babies will have:
- regular checks of heart rate, breathing rate and temperature
- a cannula (IV line) inserted in the back of their hand or foot.
They’ll also have initial blood tests, taken from the cannula. These include:
- a full blood count to check number of white cells, usually raised if there’s an infection
- c-reactive protein, usually raised if there’s an infection. We repeat this test after 18 to 24 hours usually from a heel prick
- blood culture to look for septicaemia. This is usually the last result to come back and takes at least 36 hours.
- antibiotic blood levels if your baby needs more than 2 days of antibiotics.
Some babies may just need a blood culture and regular checks for 24 hours.
Depending on the results, some babies will also need a:
- chest x-ray to look for pneumonia
- lumbar puncture to look for meningitis. We do this by inserting a thin needle into the baby’s lower back. It’s similar to having an epidural and helps us to collect a sample of spinal fluid.
We’ll talk to you about where we’ll do the tests and if you’d like to be there.
Why do you give intravenous antibiotics?
Babies can become very sick if they’re not treated early. We also don’t want your baby to become unwell while you wait for the results.
Even if your baby seems well, we don’t wait for the test results before starting antibiotics. They’re given into the cannula (intravenously) because they work more quickly and effectively. Most babies have 2 different antibiotics which we may change if tests suggest it’s needed.
Where will you look after my baby?
Usually, your baby can stay with you on the post-natal ward and you can care for them as normal. Extra care must be taken to avoid dislodging the cannula when handling your baby. Occasionally, your baby may need admitting to the Neonatal Unit for close monitoring and help with problems such as feeding or breathing difficulties.
When can my baby go home?
We’ll discharge your baby when they’re well and they’ve completed the course of antibiotics. For most babies this will be after about 2 days.
If your baby’s still unwell or the tests suggest a serious infection, they may need a longer course of antibiotics.
What should I look out for after going home?
Signs include:
- an abnormal temperature of less than 36.5C or more than 37.5C. You only need to routinely check their temperature if your baby feels abnormally warm or cool or there are other concerns
- fast breathing, recessing (sucking in of the skin under the lower margin of the ribs), additional noises while breathing or flaring of the nostrils
- lethargy, abnormal movements, tense or bulging soft spot on top of their head, inconsolable crying or floppiness
- change in skin colour
- difficulties with feeding, discomfort after feeds or vomiting.
Call your GP, 111 or your midwife or health visitor if you’re concerned.
If your baby seems very unwell, call 999.
Useful links
Help and advice for premature or sick babies
Help and support for babies with group B strep
How can I help reduce healthcare associated infections?
Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.
You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.
More help or advice
Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net
About our patient information
This patient advice is intended as general information only. We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please note that it’s subject to change.
Always check specific advice on any concerns you may have with your doctor.