First Days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is First Days?
First Days provides in-home newborn screening specimen collection. A trained phlebotomist comes to your home to collect your baby’s second newborn screening blood sample, which is required in Texas to check for certain rare but serious health conditions.
What is newborn screening?
Newborn screening is a routine health test for all babies that checks for rare but serious medical conditions that may not be visible at birth. Early detection allows doctors to begin treatment right away and prevent serious complications.
The screening is performed using a small heel stick blood sample.
In Texas, babies typically receive:
First screening shortly after birth
Second screening between 7–14 days of life
Why is the second screening important?
The second screening helps detect conditions that may not appear in the first test. Some metabolic and genetic conditions develop as a baby begins feeding and adjusting after birth.
This second test is required to ensure accurate and complete screening.
Why would someone choose in-home screening?
Many parents prefer in-home screening because it offers:
• Convenience
• Comfort for the baby
• No waiting rooms
• No travel with a newborn
• Flexible scheduling
Your baby can stay comfortable and safe in their own environment.
Who performs the screening?
Your baby’s specimen is collected by a trained professional phlebotomist experienced in newborn blood collection.
Our team specializes in working with infants and uses techniques designed to keep babies safe and comfortable.
Is the heel stick safe?
Yes. The heel stick is a standard medical procedure used worldwide for newborn screening.
A small lancet is used to gently collect a few drops of blood from your baby’s heel onto a screening card.
The process usually takes just a few minutes.
Will it hurt my baby?
Babies may briefly cry during the heel stick, but the discomfort is very short.
We use gentle techniques such as:
Swaddling
Heel warming
Comfort positioning
Most babies calm quickly after the sample is collected.
How long does the visit take?
A typical visit takes 10–20 minutes.
This includes:
• Preparing your baby
• Collecting the sample
• Answering any parent questions
What happens after the sample is collected?
The specimen is carefully packaged and sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services Newborn Screening Laboratory for testing.
Your baby’s healthcare provider will receive the results.
When will results be available?
Results are typically available within a few days to two weeks after the laboratory receives the specimen.
If any follow-up is needed, your baby’s doctor will contact you.
Do you replace my pediatrician or hospital?
No. First Days does not replace your pediatrician or hospital care.
We simply provide a convenient way to complete your baby's second newborn screening from home.
What areas do you serve?
First Days currently serves families in the San Antonio area and surrounding communities.
How much does the service cost?
Our standard in-home visit is $150.
We believe every baby deserves access to screening, so limited sliding-scale options may be available for families who need assistance.
How do I book an appointment?
You can schedule your visit online at:
www.FirstDaysHome.com
or contact us directly.
Appointments are quick and flexible to fit your family’s needs.
Why did you start First Days?
First Days was founded to support families during the important early days of a baby's life.
We believe healthcare should be:
• Accessible
• Compassionate
• Family-centered
Our goal is to make newborn screening easy, safe, and stress-free for parents.