What is Newborn Screening Test?

Screening of newborn is very important to find out if your newborn is affected by any rare disorder or health conditions related to hormones or genetics. Newborn screening test will help check risks and complications of genetic and metabolism-related disorders early on so that you can take corrective measures to mitigate the risks associated with the condition. The neonatal screening tests generally happens right after the baby is born, ideally in one or two days after birth. 

Newborn screening test in India

Recommending newborn screening test has become a norm in India because several uncommon health disorders are on the rise. In order to rule out the possibilities, doctors are asking new moms to get a newborn baby test for their babies. Newborn screening test in India has been underscored as important component in the pregnancy child care package so as to make pregnant moms know what newborn screening test means for their babies and how it is relevant in current scenario, given that there are new viruses and developmental illnesses emerging rapidly, taking the medical fraternity by surprise. With the pandemic still hovering, it is better to stay vigilant and take neonatal screening tests seriously. 

How is newborn screening test conducted?

Your doctor will ideally recommend a blood test. A blood test is done by taking a tiny blob of blood from your baby’s heel, which is sent to the lab for further study and analysis. To check if your baby’s ears are functioning properly without any complaint, a tiny earpiece is placed in your baby’s ear. In addition to blood test and ear screening, oximeter is used to measure your baby’s oxygen levels. This is significant part of neonatal heart screening. If the results come positive in the preliminary newborn screening test, doctors will order more screenings to evaluate further measures. In such a scenario, your doctor will put you in touch with respective specialists or therapist to chart out the appropriate treatment plans.

newmi offers infant screening test 

Bio 3 - A basic newborn screening test list will have ch test, Cah, G6PD. The ch test is done via ch blood test or ultrasound imaging test. Bio 3 by Newmi will offer all three like ch test to check the level of thyroid stimulating hormone in baby. Newborn screening test for Cah is done between 24 hours to 48 hours using a simple blood test. G6pd test for newborn is done to check if the red blood cells are functioning correctly. 

17 Hydroxy Progresterone – This newborn screening test will check and rule out congential disorders in baby

Toxoplasma infection screening for newborn is done to check the signs of infection at birth which could pose harm to baby’s eyes, skin and ears. 

Metabolic defect screening - Newborn screening tests for metabolism defect identifies risks of suffering from Thalessimia, sickle cell traits and other basic metabolic defects in newborns

Some of the chromosomal and genetic screenings include NIPT which is non-invasive prenatal testing. NIPT detects Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18 and missing copies of X and Y chromosome. In similar lines,  PGS testing for newborn embryo tests chromosomal normalcy. PGS testing is a common test to identify Down syndrome and chromosomal number inaccuracy in babies.

FAQs related to screening of newborn

Do I need to get my baby tested as her sibling did not have any issues with rare conditions?

Yes, you need to get your newborn tested for rare metabolism and genetic conditions. Every baby is different. Even though your first born is free from health issues, that doesn’t mean that your newborn is not susceptible to any. Ideally your hospital will take care of all newborn screenings in the first two days of your baby’s birth. In case of queries, talk to your doctor about what all tests are included in newborn screening lists, before providing blood samples. Know the significance of each tests recommended and how it can affect your baby if neglected.