Newborn Screening

by Betty Mitchell RN BSN
Parish Nurse, Emmanuel Bethel Church, Royal Oak, Michigan

All newborn babies are screened today, even if they look healthy. Many of the medical conditions newborns are tested for are not evident by looking at the baby. Finding these conditions soon after birth can help prevent serious problems, such as brain or organ damage and even death.

There are 30 disorders infants can be screened for and effectively treated. Many of the conditions are related to a lack of enzymes needed in the metabolism of various acids produced normally in the body. If left untreated, the accumulation of these acids will cause varying degrees of brain damage.

Some other inherited conditions cause diseases of the red blood cells resulting in anemia, infections, pain and damage to vital organs. The symptoms occur when there are abnormal kinds and/or amounts of hemoglobin, the main protein in the red blood cell that carries oxygen to every part of the body.

There are some conditions which are not genetic, but can cause mild to severe disorders. Included in this group are congenital hypothyroidism, hearing loss and cystic fibrosis.

It is important that each newborn be tested for these disorders to prevent future problems. A few drops of blood at birth are sent to a newborn screening lab for testing. A hearing test is a brief test for hearing loss that can be done even if the baby is sleeping and should be done before one month of age if not done before discharge from the hospital.

Caring for those with whom God has blessed us is our responsibility.

Source: www.marchofdimes.com, www.cdc.gov