Which Screening Tests Are Offered?
Newborn screening includes tests for:
Metabolic problems. Metabolism is the process that converts food into energy the body can use to move, think, and grow. Enzymes are special proteins that help with metabolism by speeding up the chemical reactions in cells. Most metabolic problems happen when certain enzymes are missing or not working as they should. Metabolic disorders in newborn screening include:
- phenylketonuria (PKU)
- methylmalonic acidemia
- maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)
- tyrosinemia
- citrullinemia
- medium chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency
- Hormone problems
- Haemoglobin problems
- sickle cell disease
- haemoglobin SC disease
- beta thalassemia
How Is Newborn Screening Done?
A small blood sample taken by pricking the baby's heel is tested. This happens before the baby leaves the hospital, usually at 1 or 2 days of age. Talk to your doctor about newborn screening if your baby was not born in a hospital.
When Are the Results Ready?
Results of newborn screening for hearing loss and heart disease are available as soon as the test is done. Blood test results usually are ready by the time a baby is 5–7 days old. Often, parents won't hear about results if screening tests were normal. They have contacted if a test was positive for a condition.
A positive newborn screening test does not mean a child definitely has the medical condition. Doctors order more tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. Parents can talk to their child's doctor about the newborn screening results.
What is the cost of Newborn Screening:
The Cost of Newborn Screening depends upon the parameters. Contact us to know more
