Newborn screening
Newborn Screening
Newborn screening (pronunciation: /ˈnjuːbɔːrn ˈskriːnɪŋ/) is a preventive health measure to identify conditions that could affect a child’s long-term health or survival. Early detection, diagnosis, and intervention can prevent death or disability and enable children to reach their full potential.
Etymology
The term "newborn screening" is derived from the English words "newborn", referring to a recently born child, and "screening", meaning to test or examine for the presence of something, in this case, certain medical conditions.
Related Terms
- Phenylketonuria: A genetic disorder that can lead to intellectual disability if not detected and treated early.
- Congenital hypothyroidism: A condition of thyroid hormone deficiency present at birth.
- Sickle cell disease: A group of disorders that cause red blood cells to become misshapen and break down.
- Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine.
- Hearing loss: Partial or total inability to hear.
- Critical congenital heart disease: A term that refers to a group of serious heart defects that are present from birth.
Process
Newborn screening involves two types of tests. The first is a blood test, known as the Guthrie test, which checks for a number of genetic disorders. The second is a hearing test, which can detect early signs of hearing loss.
Importance
Newborn screening is important because it can detect conditions that may not be apparent at birth, but that can cause serious health problems if not treated early. Many of these conditions can be treated effectively if detected early, preventing or reducing the risk of developmental problems, illness, and death.
Controversies
While newborn screening has many benefits, it also has some controversies. Some parents may refuse screening for religious or personal reasons. There are also concerns about privacy and the potential for genetic discrimination.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Newborn screening
- Wikipedia's article - Newborn screening
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