Newborn Screening: All You Need To Know

Mehmood Hussain
5 min readAug 31, 2021

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Newborn screening tests, also known as infant screening tests, neonatal screening tests, and the PKU test, look for developmental, genetic, and metabolic disorders in the newborn baby. This allows steps to be taken before symptoms develop. Most of these illnesses are very rare, but can be treated if caught early. There are many types of newborn screening tests that can detect 26 to 40 kinds of diseases in babies. The babies are also screened for hearing loss and critical congenital heart disease.

Newborn screening test process

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.

Preparation 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 24 hours and 7 days old.

How the Test will Feel

The baby will most likely cry when the heel is pricked to get the blood sample. Studies have shown that babies whose mothers hold them skin-to-skin or breastfeed them during the procedure show less distress. Wrapping the baby tightly in a blanket, or offering a pacifier dipped in sugar water, may also help ease pain and calm the baby. The hearing test and the CCHD screen should not cause the baby to feel pain, cry, or respond.

Importance of newborn screening tests

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 hypothyroidism Cystic 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

Types of results

Normal values for each screening test may vary depending on how the test is performed. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. An abnormal result means that the child should have additional testing to confirm or rule out the condition.

Risks

Risks for the newborn heel prick blood sample include: Pain Possible bruising at the site where the blood was obtained

Considerations

Newborn screening test is critical for the baby to receive treatment. Treatment may be lifesaving. However, not all disorders that can be detected can be treated. Although hospitals do not perform all screening tests, parents can have other tests done at large medical centers. Private labs also offer newborn screening test. Parents can find out about extra newborn screening tests from their provider or the hospital where the baby is born.

Pediatric clinic in Abu Dhabi

Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Centre provides newborn screening tests in Abu Abu Dhabi. Our experienced pediatrician will give all appropriate treatments to your baby so your little one can grow strong and healthy., also known as infant screening tests, neonatal screening tests, and the PKU test, look for developmental, genetic, and metabolic disorders in the newborn baby. This allows steps to be taken before symptoms develop. Most of these illnesses are very rare, but can be treated if caught early. There are many types of newborn screening tests that can detect 26 to 40 kinds of diseases in babies. The babies are also screened for hearing loss and critical congenital heart disease.

Newborn screening test process

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.

Preparation 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 24 hours and 7 days old.

How the Test will Feel

The baby will most likely cry when the heel is pricked to get the blood sample. Studies have shown that babies whose mothers hold them skin-to-skin or breastfeed them during the procedure show less distress. Wrapping the baby tightly in a blanket, or offering a pacifier dipped in sugar water, may also help ease pain and calm the baby. The hearing test and the CCHD screen should not cause the baby to feel pain, cry, or respond.

Importance of newborn screening tests

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 hypothyroidism Cystic 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

Types of results

Normal values for each screening test may vary depending on how the test is performed. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. An abnormal result means that the child should have additional testing to confirm or rule out the condition.

Risks

Risks for the newborn heel prick blood sample include: Pain Possible bruising at the site where the blood was obtained

Considerations

Newborn screening test is critical for the baby to receive treatment. Treatment may be lifesaving. However, not all disorders that can be detected can be treated. Although hospitals do not perform all screening tests, parents can have other tests done at large medical centers. Private labs also offer newborn screening test. Parents can find out about extra newborn screening tests from their provider or the hospital where the baby is born.

Pediatric clinic in Abu Dhabi

Adam and Eve Specialized Medical Centre provides newborn screening tests in Abu Abu Dhabi. Our experienced pediatrician will give all appropriate treatments to your baby so your little one can grow strong and healthy.

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