Newborn genetic screening is one of several tests that are done on newborn babies. The purpose of newborn genetic screening is to screen newborns as a preventive measure. The newborn is screened to help the parents know if the newborn is at risks for certain medical conditions. The test varies from state to state, however, all states must test for 29 disorders. Phenylketonuria and Congenital hypothyroidism are the top two disorders doctors look out for the most. Phenylketonuria also known as PKU, is when the baby’s body can’t break down amino acids called phenylalanine. Caused by a defective gene that helps an enzyme that break phenylalanine down. Congenital hypothyroidism is when the thyroid hormone in newborns is deficient.
The procedure itself is relatively easy and short. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the baby is born and placed in the nursery, a nurse takes a few drops of blood by pricking the baby’s heel. The blood is then placed on a special card. Once the card is dry, it is then sent to the laboratory where it is then looked at for any abnormalities under a microscope. If the parents want a copy, they may ask for one and then it is sent to the baby’s health care provider and the parents …show more content…
The test saves babies lives by being able to test for diseases that the parents would have not known they had. It gives the parents a chance to educate themselves about a disease, if not treatable, to help the child lead a more normal life. If I happened to be in a position where my patient did not want to have their child tested, for religious reasons for example, I would not judge them or force them. It is their decision to do what they think is best for their child even if it goes against my opinion. If I were asked for my opinion, I would tell them that for the benefit of the baby, the test should be done because certain conditions can go
The procedure itself is relatively easy and short. Twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the baby is born and placed in the nursery, a nurse takes a few drops of blood by pricking the baby’s heel. The blood is then placed on a special card. Once the card is dry, it is then sent to the laboratory where it is then looked at for any abnormalities under a microscope. If the parents want a copy, they may ask for one and then it is sent to the baby’s health care provider and the parents …show more content…
The test saves babies lives by being able to test for diseases that the parents would have not known they had. It gives the parents a chance to educate themselves about a disease, if not treatable, to help the child lead a more normal life. If I happened to be in a position where my patient did not want to have their child tested, for religious reasons for example, I would not judge them or force them. It is their decision to do what they think is best for their child even if it goes against my opinion. If I were asked for my opinion, I would tell them that for the benefit of the baby, the test should be done because certain conditions can go