Normal LysosomalWhat is The Newborn Screening Test?
Screening newborn babies for health problems (congenital disorders) is an established worldwide public health practice. The Newborn Screening Test is done using a small sample of blood collected when the baby is about 2 days of age. From this sample, several tests are performed to detect rare, but serious health problems, often before there is any sign that the problem exists. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can greatly reduce, and often prevent, the effects of the problem for the rest of the individual s life. The Newborn Screening Test blood-spot sample is collected by a midwife in the hospital where your baby is born. If your baby is not born in a hospital or if you and your baby are discharged earlier, the blood-spot sample may be collected at home. To collect the blood, the baby s heel is pricked, and a small piece of special filter paper is soaked with four small spots of blood and allowed to dry. The blood-spot is sent to the Women s and Children s Hospital where it is
