Question
Not long after birth, caregivers suggest neonatal disease screening. Although the baby appears healthy, parents are curious about the purpose and process of the screening. What is neonatal disease screening?
Answer
Neonatal disease screening aims to detect congenital genetic metabolic disorders, phenylketonuria, and congenital hypothyroidism. Typically, after 3 to 7 days of breastfeeding, a blood sample is collected from the baby’s heel by a needle stick and placed on a special blood collection paper. After drying, it is sent to the screening laboratory for analysis. This screening is applicable to all infants and is an important public health policy that helps in early detection and treatment of potential health issues.