A mother is holding her new born baby, below which reads Early Detection can do wonders.

NEWBORN SCREENING

Newborn screening is the practice of testing all babies for certain disorders and conditions that can hinder their normal development. The goal of newborn screening is to detect disorders that are threatening to life or long-term health before they become symptomatic.The conditions included in newborn screening can result in serious health problems starting in infancy or childhood.

These conditions include inborn errors of metabolism, endocrine disorders, hemoglobinopathies, immunodeficiency, cystic fibrosis, and critical congenital heart defects. Early detection and treatment of these rare disorders may can help prevent permanent and irreversible intellectual, physical disabilities and significantly reduce mortality and morbidity in affected patients

Know More About Screening

A female doctor is holding the hands of a baby.

WHEN IS NEWBORN SCREENING PERFORMED?

This testing is advised to be performed 24hrs after the baby is born. The sample for newborn screening is collected between 48-72 hours after birth by a simple heel prick method.

ADVANTAGES OF NEW BORN SCREENING

The heel-prick test in newborn babies has vastly improved the prospects for babies born with hypothyroidism.

Medication must be taken regularly and usually for life.

The vast majority of children who are detected and treated promptly grow up normally.

The dose will need to be adjusted as the child grows and so regular blood tests are important.

Babies and children with hypothyroidism should be seen regularly by a paediatric endocrinologist or a paediatrician with a special interest in endocrinology.