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Procedures

In addition to the physical examination, a number of preventative measures (called prophylactic treatments) and other procedures are performed in newborn babies. Blood from the umbilical cord is collected and used for blood typing. Erythromycin ointment is placed in the infant's eyes within 1 hour of birth to prevent gonorrheal ophthalmia (severe eye inflammation caused by gonococcus bacteria). Vitamin K is administered within 4–6 hours of birth to prevent hemorrhagic disease ...Read the full article