When is the capillary stick blood test performed on newborns?

The capillary stick blood test is typically performed on newborns within 24 hours of birth. This timing is crucial for several reasons. First, it allows healthcare providers to check for various metabolic disorders and conditions, such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and congenital hypothyroidism, which are essential for early diagnosis and intervention. By performing the test soon after birth, immediate care can be initiated if any abnormalities are detected, thereby reducing the risk of serious complications. Additionally, this window ensures that the results are more accurate, as many conditions can be better assessed shortly after the newborn's transition to life outside the womb. Performing the test too early (like within just a few hours) or too late (such as after one week or one month) could result in missed diagnoses that are critical for the child's health. Thus, the 24-hour timeframe is standard practice to ensure optimal outcomes for newborns.