Overview
More than six hundred years ago, the first German university was founded in Heidelberg. Today, innovative and effective diagnosis and therapy for all complex diseases is guaranteed by world-renowned physicians, state-of-the-art equipment, as well as the proximity and interlinking of the more than 50 specialist departments of Heidelberg University Hospital. Research ensures continuous progress and the most up-to-date patient care. In 2026, the hospital ranks 12th in the global “World’s Best Hospitals” ranking and is one of the leading medical centers in Europe.
Newborn screening
Caring for sick children has always been of great importance in Heidelberg. To lay the foundation for the healthiest possible life right from the start, Heidelberg University Hospital has developed and continuously optimized a comprehensive newborn screening program. The Newborn Screening Center Heidelberg has accumulated experience in newborn screening by investigating more than 5.0 million neonates up to now. It is part of the Center for Child and Adolescent Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital.
Congenital metabolic, hormonal, haematological, immune and neuromuscular disorders
Most children are born healthy. However, there are diseases that exhibit no external signs in newborns. If left untreated, rare congenital metabolic diseases, hormonal, haematological, immune and neuromuscular disorders may lead to organ damage, physical or mental impairment, severe infections or even death. In most cases, early detection of these diseases allows to prevent or alleviate the consequences by taking medication, following a diet or implementing other specific measures. The screening procedure is ideally performed on the second or third day of life, by taking a few drops of blood and placing them on a filter paper card, which is subsequently sent to the newborn screening laboratory.
Cystic fibrosis
Along with the described newborn screening, there is the option to test for cystic fibrosis, performed on the same blood sample. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects approximately one in 5,000 children. Affected children develop viscous mucus in their lungs and other organs. This leads to permanent inflammation. The aim of this examination is the early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis so that treatment can be initiated as soon as possible, thus improving the quality of life and life expectancy of the children.
The list of screened diseases includes 13 metabolic disorders, two hormonal disorders, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), the sickle cell disease (SCD) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), vitamin B12 deficiency and related disorders (homoncystinuria, propionic acidemia and methylmalonic acidurias). In total, one in 600 newborns is affected by one of these diseases.
Contact
For international patients and healthcare facilities:
Heidelberg University Hospital Medical International Office
international.office@med.uni-heidelberg.de
www.heidelberg-university-hospital.com
