All babies born in Ireland are screened for 8 rare conditions between 72 hours (Day 3) and 120 hours (Day 5) after birth. This ensures that babies with these 8 rare conditions can be given early and appropriate care and treatment.

This screening test is called newborn bloodspot screening (NBS), or more commonly the ‘heel prick test.

Rare Diseases Ireland commissioned iReachHQ to conduct a research survey that would enable us to understand the level of awareness and the opinions of the Irish public to NBS. The results of this survey are detailed in the attached report.

Please contact us at advocacy@rdi.ie if you have any questions on this research or in relation to NBS in Ireland.