Why Newborn Baby Tests are Important

Newborn baby tests or newborn screening is a practice to examine newborn baby for potentially fatal disorders and diseases. Baby tests identify metabolic disorders, also known as inborn errors of metabolism, which are characterised by body's use of nutrients and energy production. Moreover, newborn baby tests also determine problems with hormones or the blood.Newborn baby tests vary from one country to the other. Screening may be done for identifying 20 disorders, or could also include test for more than 50 conditions. Mentioned below is the outline of what paediatrician looks for when he/she carries out newborn screening.1. First ExaminationsFirst check could be Apgar score test, which is recorded at one minute after your baby is born, then again after five minutes to make a conclusion. APGAR score examines baby's colour, breathing, behaviour, activity and posture. It explains if your baby has any birth problems that need medical attention. APGAR examination is followed by basic physical assessment, such as weight, temperature and circumference of head.2. Full Newborn AssessmentA full newborn assessment is conducted after four to 48 hours from baby's birth. The objective of full newborn examination is to make baby adjust to the outside environment and receive medical attention if required. In full newborn assessment, the paediatrician examines baby’s head, ears, eyes, mouth, heart, lungs, genitals, skin, hands, feet, spine, hips and reflexes.3. After Full Newborn AssessmentMost babies pass through full newborn assessment, but some may need medical help for their survival. If paediatrician identifies a problem, it is resolved with a standard treatment or further testing is done to confirm the problem. Birth problems can be easily resolved if identified early on, but newborn screening seldom pick up every problem.The next activity of newborn screening is blood spot (heel prick) test, before he is a week old. Paediatrician takes out baby’s blood sample (from heel) to test various neonatal health problems, which includes phenylketonuria (an enzyme deficiency), cystic fibrosis (disease that affects lungs and digestive system), MCADD (a condition that affects the way the body converts fat into energy), sickle cell disease (a genetic blood disorder) and thyroid deficiency.4. Postnatal Check upThe next in newborn baby screening is postnatal check up with paediatrician, which is scheduled between six weeks and eight weeks. Seeking assistance of health care provider is advised in case you have concerns about your baby before postnatal check up.