An in-depth look at the NIPE and undescended testis.

An in-depth look at the Newborn Infant Physical Examination in the UK

Photo by 东旭 王 on Unsplash

What happens in the NIPE?

A visual assessment looking at tone, perfusion, overall well-being and responsiveness.

A head-to-toe check, and then systematically looks at the:

• Eyes
• Heart
• Hips
• The Testis (Baston and Durward, 2016).

This is carried out in all UK hospitals.

What is the aim of the NIPE?

“The aim of the NIPE is to identify a range of congenital conditions so that further assessment can be undertaken and specialist care initiated as early as possible, improving health outcomes” (Marshall and Raynor, 2020, p. 815)

When is it done?

• Ideally between 6 and 72 hours post-birth (PHE. NIPE Screening Programme Supporting Information, 2021, p.1).
• It should be repeated at the 6–8 week GP appointment (Jones, T. 2020, p. 222).
• It may be delayed if the baby is born at under 34 weeks gestation or if the baby is too ill. This is because “30% of premature male infants are born…