Every baby born on the Isle of Man is offered a set of screening tests in the first days and weeks of life. These tests help identify rare but serious conditions early, when treatment can make the biggest difference.
Last updated: 27 February 2026 · By the pregnancy.im team
Key takeaway
Every baby born on the Isle of Man is offered three screening tests: the heel prick blood spot test (day 5), newborn hearing screening, and a newborn physical examination. These are carried out at Noble's Hospital and are free.
The newborn blood spot screening test — commonly known as the heel prick test — is offered to all babies when they are 5 days old. A midwife will prick your baby's heel to collect a few drops of blood onto a special card.
The blood sample is sent to a laboratory to screen for 5 rare but serious conditions:
The Isle of Man currently screens for fewer conditions than some parts of the UK, where the programme has been expanding in recent years. The IoM programme covers the most common and serious conditions detectable through the blood spot test.
These conditions are all rare — most babies will receive normal results. However, early detection allows treatment to begin before symptoms develop, which can prevent serious health problems.
All babies born on the Isle of Man are offered a newborn hearing screening test, usually carried out before you leave the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit at Noble's Hospital.
The test is quick, painless, and usually done while your baby is settled or asleep. Small sensors are placed on your baby's head and ears. The test measures responses to sound and takes only a few minutes.
There are two types of hearing screening test:
If the test does not produce a clear result on the first attempt, you will be offered a repeat test. This is common and does not necessarily mean there is a hearing problem.
Within 72 hours of birth, your baby will have a thorough physical examination, usually carried out by a doctor or specially trained midwife at the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit. This is sometimes called the newborn and infant physical examination (NIPE).
The examination checks for problems with your baby's:
A second physical examination is offered at 6 to 8 weeks of age, usually carried out by your GP. This checks the same areas and also includes a general health check.
For the hearing screening, you will usually receive the result on the same day. If the result is clear, no further action is needed.
For the physical examination, the doctor or midwife will discuss the findings with you immediately after the check.
For the blood spot test, results are usually available within 6 to 8 weeks. You will only be contacted if:
If you have not heard anything by the time your baby is 6 to 8 weeks old, you can ask your health visitor or GP to confirm the results were normal. Results are recorded in your baby's personal child health record (the “red book”).
If any screening test produces an abnormal or unclear result, you will be contacted promptly to arrange further investigation. It is important to understand that:
Your midwife, health visitor, or GP can answer any questions you have about the screening process and results.
Newborn screening on the Isle of Man is provided by midwives and doctors through Manx Care:
Contact the Jane Crookall Maternity Unit:
Phone: 01624 650030
Address: Noble's Hospital, Strang, Braddan, Isle of Man IM4 4RJ
For more information about newborn screening, visit:
You may also find our other guides helpful:
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only. For medical advice, speak to your midwife, health visitor, or GP. Screening information is based on standard UK practice, which the Isle of Man follows. Always confirm details with your healthcare provider.