According to data from the National Neonatal Screening Programme (PNRN), coordinated by the National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSA), 87,708 newborns were screened last year, 3,077 more than in 2024 (84,631).

The data indicate that Madeira and Santarém were the only regions in the country to record fewer births in 2025 than in the previous year: 1,704 (48 fewer) and 2,852 (22 fewer), respectively.

Lisbon screened the most newborns, totalling 26,595, 739 more than in 2024, followed by Porto, with 15,255 (733 more), and Braga, with 6,534 (246 more).

The ‘heel prick test’ is done through blood tests, starting on the third day of life and, if possible, up to the sixth day, through one or two pricks on the baby's heel.

According to the data, the fewest tests were recorded in the districts of Portalegre (574) and Bragança (587), but both showed increases of 27 and 93 screenings, respectively, compared with the previous year.

The data also indicate that July had the highest number of babies screened (8,118), followed by October (8,104) and September (7,886).

From 1979 to the end of 2025, 4,396,889 newborns were screened, and 2,963 cases of rare diseases were identified, according to INSA data provided to the Lusa agency.

These tests make it possible to identify children suffering from diseases, almost always genetic, such as phenylketonuria or congenital hypothyroidism, who can benefit from early treatment.

In 2025, 57 cases of hereditary metabolic diseases, 26 cases of congenital hypothyroidism, six cases of cystic fibrosis, 10 cases of spinal muscular atrophy, one case of severe combined immunodeficiency and 47 cases of sickle cell disease were identified, making a total of 147 cases.

The National Neonatal Screening Programme is coordinated by INSA through its Neonatal Screening, Metabolism and Genetics Unit, part of the Department of Human Genetics.