Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Newborn Screening (NBS) Test?
This test is often referred to as the PKU or heel-stick test. It tests babies for serious disorders and is usually performed when your baby is 24-48 hours old.
Why Is The Test Done?
The test is done to find out if your baby has a disease or condition for which early treatment can prevent death, neurological impairments, or physical disability.
How Is The Test Performed?
The test is performed by pricking your baby's heel and putting a few drops of blood on a special filter paper. The paper is allowed to dry and then sent to the newborn screening laboratory where several different tests will be performed.
But We Have No Family History Of These Disorders . . .
Parents who have no family history of problems and/or who have already had healthy children can still have children with these disorders. In fact, most children with these disorders come from families with no previous history of the condition.
But My Baby Looks Healthy . . .
Most babies with disorders look and act normal, and seem perfectly healthy. The newborn screening test helps your doctor catch a problem with your baby before it makes him or her sick. Most babies that are diagnosed and treated early live normal lives. The earlier they are detected, the higher chance they have of being normal.
What Is A Retest?
If the result of your child's test is abnormal, a repeat test or a "retest" is usually required. A request for a retest does not necessarily mean your child has a disorder, but it is possible. If you are asked for a retest, it is important that you take your baby for the retest as soon as possible.
How Will I Know the Results of My Baby's Test?
Generally, parents are notified of the test results only if there is a problem. However, it is a good idea to call your doctor and request the results of the test. This is important to ensure that your child's test results have not been lost or misplaced.
If your child's test shows an abnormal result, you will be notified immediately and given directions about what to do next. Follow the directions of your doctor very carefully. If your child's test is abnormal, additional tests are usually necessary to verify if your child has the disorder. It is important that you advise your doctor if you move or change phone numbers soon after your baby is born in case there is a problem with your baby's test.
If the results of your baby's test are normal, they will be mailed to your physician approximately two weeks after the test was performed.
Will My Baby Get The Same Test No Matter Where I Live?
No. Although all provinces require a newborn screening test be performed on babies born in their province, each province screens for different disorders. The newborn screening test is capable of screening for more than 50 disorders, yet most province screen for less than 8.
Can Newborn Screening Be Performed On Older Children or Adults?
Yes. Older children also can be supplementally screened. Contact one of the laboratories that offer supplemental screening for directions.
Should I Obtain Supplemental Screening For My Baby?
Yes. In order to prevent damage from undiagnosed disorders that are not screened for through your child's routine newborn screening test, all babies should be screened through supplemental newborn screening in addition to receiving a routine newborn screening test.
How Can I Get My Baby Screened For All Disorders?
Contact one of the laboratories listed on our web-site to obtain a parent packet, which contains a screening kit and information for you and your physician. The screening kit should be obtained prior to delivery and taken to the hospital with you. **Each of these laboratories can provide screening regardless of where you live.
Simply give the kit to your doctor, and let him or her know you would like to have an extra blood sample drawn at the time of your baby's routine newborn screening. Then, when your baby's routine heel-stick is performed, a few extra drops of blood will be applied to the supplemental screening test. As with your baby's routine screening, if the screening is abnormal, your baby's physician will be contacted immediately. And if the screening is normal, results will be sent through the mail.
What If My Baby's Doctor Doesn't Know About Supplemental Newborn Screening?
Because supplemental screening has not been available everywhere until recently, your doctor may not know about supplemental screening. Be prepared that you may have to supply your doctor with information on supplemental screening. Click on the following link to print out the brochure A Parent's Guide to NBS and give to your doctor.