FAQ's About New Born Screening
What is newborn screening or (NBS)?
It is a simple procedure, a way to find out if a baby has a congenital metabolic disorder that may lead to mental retardation or even death if untreated.
Why NBS is important?
Babies with metabolic disorders look "normal" at birth. By doing NBS, metabolic disorders may be detected even before clinical signs and symptoms are present. As a result, treatment can be given early so as to prevent consequences of untreated state.
When it is done?
New Born Screening is ideally done on the 48th - 72nd hour of life. However, it may also be done 24 hours from birth.
How is it done?
For a few drops of blood taken from the baby's heel, blotted on a special absorbent filter card and then sent to Newborn Screening Center.
Who will collect the sample for newborn screening?
The blood sample may be collected by the following: physician, nurse, medical technologist or a trained midwife.
Where is newborn screening available?
It is available in hospitals, Lying-in Clinics, Rural Health Unit, and Health Centers.
How can results be claimed?
Results can be claimed from the health facility where NBS was done. Normal NBS results are available 7 - 14 working days from the time samples are received at the Newborn Screening Center. Positive NBS results are then relayed to the parents immediately by the health facility. Please ensure that the address and phone number supplied to the health facility are correct.
What is the meaning of the Newborn Screening result?
A negative screen means that the Newborn Screening result is normal.
A positive screen means that the newborn must be brought back to his/her health practitioner for further testing.
Why do some babies need to be retested?
Here are some possible reasons for retesting:
- If the sample was taken less than 24 hours from birth.
- If there is a problem with the the blood sample.
- If the first test showed a possible health problem
Remember, your attending health practitioner will contact you if your baby needs to be retested. Get it done right away to avoid the baby from serious illnesses.
What should be done when a baby has a positive Newborn Screening result?
Babies with positive results should be referred at once to a specialist for confirmatory testing and further management.
HELP US SAVE THE 33,000 BABIES AFFECTED BY ANY OF THESE DISORDERS:
1. Congenital Hypothyroidism (CH) - results from lack or absence of thyroid hormone which is essential for the physical and mental development of a child. Baby with CH may suffer from growth and mental retardation if not detected or if hormone replacement is not initiated within two weeks.
2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) - a endocrine disorder that causes severe salt loss, dehydration and abnormally high levels of male sex hormones in both boys and girls. If not treated early, babies with CAH may die within 7-14 days.
3. Galactosemia (GAL) - a condition in which babies are unable to process galactose, the sugar present in milk. Accumulation of excessive galactose in the body can cause many problems, such as liver damage, brain damage and cataracts.
4. Phenylketonuria (PKU) - is a rare condition in which the baby cannot properly use one of the building blocks of protein called phenylalanine. Excessive accumulation of phenylalanine in the blood causes brain damage.
5. Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD def) - is a condition where the body lacks the enzyme called G6PD. Babies with this deficiency may have hemolytic anemia resulting from exposure to oxidative substances found in drugs, foods and chemicals.
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