Synopsis
Perform a safe head-to-toe newborn assessment, recognise findings that need immediate care rather than screening follow-up, complete the four NIPE screening elements and pulse oximetry, and coordinate vitamin K, hearing, blood-spot and repeat 6–8-week pathways.
- Offer the NIPE newborn screen to every eligible baby and complete it before or at 72 hours, preferably before discharge; repeat the four target components at 6–8 weeks.
- NIPE targets congenital cataract, critical congenital heart disease, developmental dysplasia of the hip and undescended testes; it accompanies a broader systematic physical examination.
- Review pregnancy, antenatal screening, fetal scans, gestation, delivery, resuscitation, maternal infection, blood group, medicines, substance exposure, feeding, urine and meconium before examination.
Key red flags
Central cyanosis, saturation below the local newborn pulse-oximetry pathway, a substantial preductal–postductal difference or poor response to oxygen needs urgent cardiorespiratory assessment.
Investigation priorities
Assess current wellbeing and identify structural, neurological, feeding and safeguarding concerns from head to toe.
Management branches
The newborn screen is due and the baby appears stable.
- Confirm identity, consent, gestation, antenatal findings, delivery and resuscitation details, maternal infection and medicine exposure.
- Ask about feeding, vomiting, urine, meconium, behaviour and family concerns and review previous observations and screening tasks.
History and initial observation permit routine assessment.
Key medicines
Phytomenadione, Konakion MM PaediatricHealthy neonate at least 36 weeks: 1 mg intramuscularly at birth or soon afterwards. If oral prophylaxis is chosen: 2 mg at birth, 2 mg at 4–7 days and 2 mg at 1 month; the third oral dose may be omitted in an exclusively formula-fed infant. Follow the exact product pathway.