What is newborn screening?
What is Newborn Screening? Newborn screening is the most common way infants affected by Classical CAH are first identified. Newborn screening is a series of tests done on blood samples from infants within the first hours of life for a number of different disorders that do not manifest themselves immediately and can result in severe mental or physical impairment or death if not detected and treated before signs and symptoms of the disease appear. Screening is the first step in a two-step process. The first screening test indicates a problem may be present, and then a second diagnostic test confirms whether or not the baby has the disease. The screening test for CAH is sensitive, simple and inexpensive. It involves taking one additional drop of blood from the heel of a newborn at birth, along with the other drops taken for the screens for other disorders. The blood is collected on filter paper and allowed to dry, then sent to a laboratory for testing. In the majority of cases, CAH is cau
The newborn screening is a series of tests for certain genetic, metabolic, hemoglobin and endocrine disorders. Early detection is crucial in some cases. For example, the PKU test, which is one part of the screening, checks for Phenylketonuria. PKU is a metabolic issue that interferes with the infant’s ability to process the amino acids that are necessary for digesting animal proteins and dairy products. In order for treatment to be most effective, dietary changes must be made prior to 3 months of age. The blood samples needed for the newborn screening tests are usually obtained by pricking the baby’s heel. Breastfeeding while the blood samples are being taken is very helpful for soothing and calming your baby.
Before we talk about newborn screening, it is important to understand the concept of “screening.” Screening is a public health service. It is done by testing individuals who are not known to have a disease (are asymptomatic) so that they can be identified and treated before problems occur. Screening is the first step in a two-step process. The first screening test indicates a problem MAY be present, and then a second diagnostic test confirms whether or not the problem or disease is truly present. Newborn screening is available to all infants in the United States and is done shortly after birth. While most infants look perfectly healthy, there are some diseases that aren’t visible. Unless these diseases are treated early, they can cause some damage to the baby. To test for these diseases, a baby’s heel is pricked and a small sample of blood is collected. This blood is then tested for several different diseases. If the NBS test is abnormal, follow-up testing must be done to confirm a dia
Newborn screening is the process of performing a series of tests on newborn babies to check for certain medical conditions. In the United States, many states have mandatory newborn screening which a hospital must offer parents. There are twenty-nine metabolic and genetic disorders which the March of Dimes recommends testing for at birth. However, not all states test for all twenty-nine disorders. Individual states have their own polices and laws regarding what tests a hospital must offer as part of their newborn screening program. Although parents have the right to refuse mandatory newborn screening on the basis of religious reasons, almost all physicians and child health advocates recommend that newborns are screened. Several of the diseases which are screened for are metabolic or genetic disorders. If the illnesses are detected early, many of the problems associated with them can be prevented. Early detection can also allow treatment to begin right from the start, which can be lifesa
Newborn screening is a comprehensive program that includes testing, follow-up, examination by a qualified specialist and, if necessary, treatment. Early detection and treatment of these disorders can prevent life long disabilities, including mental retardation, developmental disabilities, and life threatening infections. Without treatment permanent disability, and even death, can occur.
