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Newborn Screening Clinic
- Location:
- 555 University Ave, Clinic 9, Burton Wing, Main Floor
- Phone:
- 416-813-7410
About the Clinic
The Newborn Screening Clinic arranges follow up testing to find out whether your baby has the disease they screened positive for.
One of the most important tests for your baby is a newborn screen which was completed shortly after the birth of your child. A positive screen does not mean your child has the condition and timely follow up is important for your baby’s health. Coming to the Newborn Screening Clinic is one of many significant actions you will take to provide the best care for your baby.
Tip: If you are inclined to do your own research, be mindful of looking to websites that are up-to-date and accurate, such as Newborn Screening Ontario.
Learning of a positive newborn screen can cause many emotions. These emotions are normal, and our interprofessional team is here to support you every step of the way.
If your baby has an upcoming appointment at the Newborn Screening Clinic, please review this page to learn more.
Pre-appointment Instructions
Getting to the Newborn Screening Clinic
The Newborn Screening Clinic is located at SickKids in Clinic 9. Clinic 9 is marked as #18 on the main floor map (PDF). From the University Avenue entrance turn right, walk down the hallway and turn down the first hallway on your left. We are the first clinic you will find on the right side of the hall.
From the Elizabeth Street entrance and parking garage elevators, walk west along Main Street towards Shoppers Drug Mart. At the Family Centre/Library turn left. At the end of this hallway, you will find our registration and waiting area in front of you.
- Bloodwork Clinic is #3 on the map
- Sweat Chloride Lab is next to the Bloodwork Clinic.
Tip: Find a SickKids staff member who’s wearing a red shirt to help you navigate the hospital.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Please bring anyone who can be an extra pair of hands, ears, or emotional support for you. This may be your partner, a family member, a friend, or another support person you feel would be helpful.
Please ensure you bring the following:
- Child’s Health Card (and parents if requested)
- Discharge paperwork from birth hospital and/or midwife
- Questions you may have
Due to the length of the appointment and the potential of moving around the hospital, it is recommended that you also bring the following:
- Car Seat and/or Stroller
- Diapers, wipes, diaper cream
- Formula and bottles
- Change of clothes for your baby
- Snacks or other items for yourselves or older siblings
Tip: Do you have an older child who is attending your baby’s appointment?
Check out the WAV PlayPark – a safe and secure play area provided free of charge. Children aged 2 1/2 years and over, toilet trained and symptom free, can be dropped off. Younger children are welcome too, with their parents of course!
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your baby's appointment will likely include a visit to our Blood Work Clinic and a meeting with our newborn screening team. Often, we have to wait for preliminary results from the blood work before families leave the hospital.
Typically, these appointments are 2 to 3 hours long and led by a registered nurse or genetic counsellor, along with our social worker. Based on our team's availability and clinic needs, sometimes you will meet all team members and sometimes just one or two. Below you can learn more about the roles of each team member.
You will be asked about your pregnancy, your baby's birth history, and, in some circumstances, an extended family history. Our nurses will conduct a physical examination of your baby, including measuring weight and length.
During the appointment, we will provide more information about the condition your child screened positive for, the timeline for results, and any important instructions for you to follow while we are investigating the potential diagnosis.
This is also a time for you to ask questions. Communication is essential and we encourage you to ask any questions you may have. Information sharing can feel overwhelming, but by asking questions, it can help you gain an understanding of what to expect and help the team best care for your child and what your family may need.
Tip: Some families find it helpful to write down questions beforehand. Start a notebook with some questions to ask at your appointment. This can also be used for family physicians and other future appointments you may have for your child.
At your newborn screening visit, you will meet one of our nurses. They will do a physical assessment of your baby (for example, measuring weight and length) but are also available to review your newborn screening results and create a follow up plan with you. Our nurses are also available to answer some routine baby care questions you may have.
A genetic counsellor has advanced training in medical genetics and counseling. They help patients and families understand genetic conditions, interpret medical and family history in the context of risk for inherited conditions, and help families make informed decisions around genetic testing. Our genetic counsellor often meets with families in the Newborn Screening Clinic.
When caregivers receive news of a potential diagnosis for their baby, it can impact the entire family. Social workers help families adjust to the diagnosis, address concerns, and explore community resources for practical and financial support. Social workers advocate along with families within the hospital system and can help facilitate positive communication.
SickKids is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. As a result, you may meet medical residents and other trainees.
Language interpretation services are available at SickKids for free. Please let us know if you would like to have an interpreter (either in person or online) available at your appointment.
An international patient is anyone in Canada with temporary status such as a study permit, work permit, visitors (Canadian and non-Canadian), refugee claimant, undocumented, and babies born in Canada to temporary residents. If this applies to you, please advise and expect contact by a team member from the International Patient Program.
What to Expect After Your Appointment
When you go home from your Newborn Screening Clinic appointment, it is important that you leave with the following:
- After Visit Summary
This is a printed summary of what was discussed during the appointment and includes any instructions for your baby's care. The After Visit Summary can also include your baby’s most recent height and weight measurements. - Medical Emergency Letter
Parents may be provided with a medical emergency letter outlining when to seek immediate medical attention. This will include the contact number of an on-call doctor at SickKids. If your baby requires a letter, you will be provided with a printed and virtual copy which will be reviewed with you in further detail. - Newborn Screening Result
Our team will provide you with a copy of your baby’s newborn screen to keep for your own records. - Team Members Contact Information
Our team members will share their contact information with you, should you have future questions, require clarification, or need to reach out to us. - Next Steps
Our team will provide an estimated time of pending results if there are tests that have not yet been resulted for your baby. Should your baby require a referral to a specialty clinic, you will learn more about the clinic and what to expect. - Your Questions Answered
Please do not leave your appointment if you have any lingering questions or if you need us to review the information. We understand there is a lot that we share with you during the appointment and repeating and clarifying information may be necessary.
Contact Information
Registered Nurses
Meghan Fraser
Telephone: 416-813-7654 ext. 402359
Email: meghan.fraser@sickkids.ca
Samantha Lotti
Telephone: 416-813-7654 ext. 415678
Email: samantha.lotti@sickkids.ca
Genetic Counsellor
Abby Watts-Dickens
Telephone: 416-813-2955 X402955
Email: abby.watts-dickens@sickkids.ca
Social Worker
Julia Meilach-Gould
Telephone: 416-813-7654 ext. 415679
Email: julia.meilach-gould@sickkids.ca
Patient Care Information Coordinators
Areeba Siddiqui: 416-813-7654 ext. 415597
Stacey Trumata: 416-813-7410 ext. 407410