NBSA simple blood test called newborn screening is used to detect many genetic disorders before they cause serious or life-threatening symptoms. Giving every newborn a chance to live a normal life is the aim of neonatal screening. It offers the chance for early disease therapy when a diagnosis is made prior to the onset of symptoms. The important public health policy of newborn screening (NBS) permits the early detection and treatment of a number of congenital abnormalities that, if untreated, may result in mental retardation and/or death. Early detection, treatment start-up, and suitable long-term care all contribute to the affected person’s normal growth and development. Since the 1950s, it has been a crucial component of standard infant care in the majority of developed nations, either as a result of a health recommendation or a legal requirement. It has been a service offered in the Philippines since 1996.

Within the first five days of life, newborns should be screened. Before being sent home after being discharged from the hospital, screenings (such as hearing and pulse oximetry) and blood draws are typically conducted. The midwife will, however, carry out the testing and gather any required samples for the newborn screenings if the birth or delivery took place at home. They might either return to the house within the five-day window or do this on the day of delivery. Families can also go to any hospital-based lab and have the newborn screenings drawn there if they leave the hospital without finishing them.

How was it done?

The newborn screening test involves taking a few blood samples from the heel of the infant. The best time to test newborns is two days after birth or right before hospital discharge. On a unique card made of filter paper, the blood sample is inserted. It is transported right away to the Newborn Screening Laboratory after drying.

Your baby’s blood can help identify uncommon genetic, hormonal, and metabolic disorders that can cause major health issues with just one heel prick. These hospitalized checks assist medical professionals in accurately diagnosing and speedily treating your infant.

It’s crucial that you have your newborn child screened. They play an important role in the early identification, diagnosis, and treatment of severe illnesses or disorders and can result in better, more advantageous outcomes.

PDO I Kimberly Tanador, RND

References:

Newborn Screening Program

https://doh.gov.ph/newborn-screening

Successful Implementation of Expanded Newborn Screening in the Philippines Using Tandem Mass Spectrometry

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8883932/

The importance of Newborn Screening

https://www.parkview.com/community/dashboard/the-importance-of-newborn-screenings

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/newborn/conditioninfo/purpose