Neonatal heel prick

A medical procedure for newborn screening

Neonatal Heel Prick

The neonatal heel prick is a common medical procedure performed on newborns to collect a small blood sample for screening purposes. This procedure is crucial for the early detection of certain metabolic and genetic disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU), which can lead to severe health issues if not identified and treated early.

Blood sample collection for phenylketonuria testing

Procedure

The neonatal heel prick is typically performed within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. The infant's heel is warmed to increase blood flow.
2. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
3. A small lancet is used to make a quick puncture in the heel.
4. Blood is collected on a special filter paper card.
5. The card is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the neonatal heel prick is to screen for various congenital disorders that are not immediately apparent at birth. These disorders include:

• Phenylketonuria (PKU)
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sickle cell disease

Early detection of these conditions allows for timely intervention and management, which can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.

Phenylketonuria Screening

Phenylketonuria is a genetic disorder characterized by the inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine. If left untreated, PKU can lead to intellectual disability, seizures, and other serious health problems. The neonatal heel prick test is essential for detecting elevated levels of phenylalanine in the blood, allowing for early dietary management to prevent complications.

Related Pages

• Newborn screening
• Metabolic disorder
• Genetic testing