About Newborn Screening
What is Newborn screen?
Newborn screening is a public health program of screening in infants shortly after birth for conditions that are treatable, but not clinically evident in the newborn period.
Why it is done?
The goal is to identify infants at risk for these conditions early enough to confirm the diagnosis and provide intervention that will alter the clinical course of the disease and prevent or ameliorate the clinical manifestations.
The conditions included in newborn screening can cause serious health problems starting in infancy or childhood. Early detection and treatment can help prevent intellectual and physical disabilities and life-threatening illnesses.
How is it done?
In addition to blood tests, screening for hearing loss and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is
recommended for all newborns. Many states require this screening by law as well.
Screenings are done using the following methods:
Blood tests. A few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heel. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis.
Hearing test. A health care provider will place a tiny earpiece or microphone in the infant’s ear. Another method uses electrodes that are put on the baby’s head while the baby is quiet or asleep.
CCHD screen. A provider will place a small soft sensor on the baby’s skin and attach it to a machine called an oximeter for a few minutes. The oximeter will measure the baby’s oxygen levels in the hand and foot.
How to Prepare for the Test
There is no preparation needed for newborn screening tests. The tests are most often done before leaving the hospital when the baby is between 48 hours and 7 days old
The hearing test and the CCHD screen does not cause the baby to feel pain, cry, or respond.
Why the Test is Performed
Screening tests do not diagnose illnesses. They show which babies need more testing to confirm or rule out illnesses.
If follow-up testing confirms that the child has a disease, treatment can be started, before symptoms appear.
Blood screening tests are used to detect a number of disorders. Some of these may include:
- Amino acid metabolism disorders
- Biotinidase deficiency
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Congenital hypothyroidismCystic fibrosis
- Fatty acid metabolism disorders
- Galactosemia
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD)
- Human immunodeficiency disease (HIV)
- Organic acid metabolism disorders
- Phenylketonuria (PKU)
- Sickle cell disease and other hemoglobin disorders and traits
- Toxoplasmosis
Normal values for each screening test may vary depending on how the test is performed.
An abnormal result means that the child should have additional testing to confirm or rule out the condition.
NEWBORN SCREEN:..GET THE FACTS
- Do you know Newborn Screening is one of the most important public health initiative!
- More than 1 in 300 Newborns have a condition detectable through newborn screen.
- Most Newborn with serious but treatable condition detectable through newborn screen grow up HEALTHY!
- Newborn screen helps keep your baby healthy through a heel prick test ,done after 48hrs of birth .
- In addition to blood tests, screening for hearing loss and critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is recommended for all newborns. Many states require this screening by law as well.