Newborn Baby Screening Tests

When a baby is born, he is screened for various medical conditions and disorders that may or may not be apparent on birth. Newborn baby screening tests assure if there is any medical condition that is affecting baby’s metabolism such as utilisation of nutrients and ability to maintain healthy tissues.

Newborn baby screening tests also figure out the dysfunctions related to blood or hormones. It becomes extremely important as early diagnosis of problems and treatment is the basis of healthy development of the baby. Screening procedure of newborn babies vary from country to country.

Screening a Newborn

APGAR – APGAR score is one of the basic screening examinations that determine healthy being of a newborn baby. The score also identifies if baby needs medical attention or not. Infant is assessed for five attributes, namely appearance, pulse, responsiveness, muscle activity and breathing.

Standard Medical Examination – The standard medical screening starts 2 or 3 days after birth, with doctor pricking baby’s heel to for the blood sample. The blood sample is taken after the first 24 hours. The first blood sample may not reflect health condition of baby accurately. Therefore, another test is conducted to be sure of baby’s healthy being.

Take a look at some of the medical conditions for which tests are included in a newborn baby screening.

Sickle Cell Disease – The inherited disease of the blood is characterised by mutation of red blood cells into sickle shapes. The condition causes pain, damages lungs and puts baby at risk of heart problems. Moreover, babies with the condition are vulnerable to bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia. After it is diagnosed during screening, baby is put through an antibiotic therapy and is observed until recovery.

Congenital Hypothyroidism – Babies with this medical condition have a retarded growth owing to thyroid imbalance. The progression of the disease may lead to metabolic disorders. Baby diagnosed with the condition during infancy are treated with the oral doses of thyroid hormone ‘thyroxin’.

Maple Syrup Urine Disease – Infants with the condition lack an enzyme, which is required to process three essential amino acids for the steady growth of the body. As the amino acids are not processed in the right manner, their build up in the body makes urine to produce a sweet or maple-like odour. The condition makes baby extremely irritable, lowers appetite and may lead to physical disabilities or mental retardation. For treating the condition, doctors prescribe a diet plan that excludes food high in protein but provides the necessary nutrients.