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Newborn Screening Tests
Definition:
Newborn screening tests look for serious developmental and genetic disorders so that important action can be taken during the critical time before symptoms develop. In the U.S., the individual states each regulate newborn screening, so the diseases screened vary considerably. Most states require three to eight tests, but organizations such as the March of Dimes suggest more than two dozen additional tests. The most thorough screening panel checks for about 40 disorders. All 50 states screen for congenital hypothyroidism. Text Continues Below
Alternative Names:
Infant screening tests How the test is performed:
Blood tests: A health care professional will prick the baby’s heel to obtain a drop or two of blood. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis. Hearing test: An audiologist will place a tiny earpiece or microphone in the infant’s ear or stick electrodes on the baby’s head. How to prepare for the test:
There is no preparation necessary for newborn screening tests. The tests are performed when the baby is between 24 hours and 7 days old, typically before the baby goes home from the hospital. How the test will feel:
The baby will most likely cry when his or her heel is priced to obtain the small blood sample. The hearing test should not cause the baby to feel pain, cry, or respond. Why the test is performed:
Screening tests do not diagnose illnesses. They identify which babies need additional testing to confirm or rule out illnesses. Good screening tests have a low false-negative rate (if the test is normal, the child should be healthy), but may have a high false-positive rate (as many affected children as possible should test positive, even if this means many healthy children also test positive).
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