Question

The newborn disease screening results are out, and the doctor didn’t say anything. What does it mean when the report shows negative?

Answer

A negative result in newborn disease screening carries the following meanings:

  1. No related diseases were found.
  2. The sensitivity of the testing method is approximately 95%, and no test can reach 100%. There is a 5% chance of false negatives.
  3. Other influencing factors, such as inappropriate timing of blood collection, too early or too late, affecting the screening results.
  4. Newborns not consuming milk or other interferences such as diseases.
  5. Inadequate sample storage, sample damage, or repeated blood drops during the blood collection process during the screening.