Universal newborn screening (NBS) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the need of the hour in India. Recall for rescreening and subsequent venous confirmatory testing. Hearing test and clinical evaluation for other congenital malformations are to be performed for all babies with CH. Universal hearing screen and regular hearing assessment throughout childhood should be part of any NBS program along with CH. Treatment is required till 3 years of age followed by reassessment for CH permanence and etiology. Checking for permanence of CH alone – Dose tapered by one-third for 2-3 weeks and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level rechecked; TSH >10 mIU/L – permanence confirmed and treatment to be continued; If TSH does not rise, dose may be further tapered, stopped and then retested; in babies with proven agenesis or ectopic thyroid, reevaluation is unnecessary.

Screening with either cord blood or Day 3-5 heel prick dried blood spot filter paper testing is advised.