The majority people are now aware of newborn screening. A simple test of pricking the heel of the baby within the first forty eight hours of life is essential to help diagnose over fifty genetic diseases which aren't apparent at birth.
There are, however, other conditions which aren't routinely included for newborn screening. Only a few states currently screen infants for certain critical congenital heart defects (CCCHDs) by an inexpensive Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox) test. All new parents need to know whether their state includes pulse-ox testing as part of their compulsory screening program.
It is essential that pulse-ox screening is routinely undertaken as this can identify seven primary CCCHDs. A newborn baby with this condition could die within a few days or weeks if the disease hasn't been recognized and immediate treatment started. Pulse-ox screening as part of a full examination during the first forty eight hours gives these babies the best possible chance of having a healthy life.
Pulse-ox testing is done by placing a pulse oximeter, a small sensor, on the hand and foot of the baby to show the level of oxygen in the blood. There aren't any needles involved in this test. If the oxygen is lower than a specific figure this suggests CCCHDs so further diagnostic testing can be carried out immediately. The pulse-ox test only costs between $5 and $10 for each baby. This is a very small price to find out whether the baby is clear or if additional testing for this condition is required which will be done immediately.
The Secretary's Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders and Newborns and Children decided in 2010 to include the screening for CCCHDs by pulse-ox to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). Secretary Kathleen Sebelius accepted the recommendation in September 2011 when she forwarded it to the states for legislative deliberation.
Currently there are only seven states which have passed legislation, ensuring that pulse-ox screening is included in their newborn screening program. Several other states are waiting for the legislation whilst others are undertaking trial testing programs. There are, however, nearly fifty per cent of states which haven't taken any form of action. Check out the situation regarding screening in your state.
So what can you do to ensure that your newborn baby receives this essential screening? Ask your hospital about their position. If you live in a state which doesn't perform this screening, speak to your prenatal health provider who will advise you about screening for pulse-ox after the baby leaves hospital. There are Screening Toolkits from the Children's National Medical Centre for using in newborn nurseries and you can obtain a kit for your doctor.
You should also contact your state screening program to make them aware that you feel that the implementation of newborn screening for CCCHDs is essential in saving babies lives.
For more information on Newborn Screening watch this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu2C2oS0YtI
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