Newborn screening
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011Ever wonder why there is a band-aid on your baby’s heel so soon after birth? It’s one of your baby’s first tests. Every state and U.S. territory routinely screens newborns for certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal and functional disorders. These disorders are rare but serious and if caught early, can be treated. Your baby’s first blood test is part of newborn screening which also includes a hearing test. The latest recommendation is for pulse oximetry testing for critical congenital heart disease, CCHD.
Babysfirsttest.org is a new website for new moms and moms-to-be to learn about newborn screening. At http://www.babysfirsttest.org/ you will find trusted information, including videos, such as this newest one produced by the March of Dimes, ‘Learning about newborn screening.’
The March of Dimes has been working with Genetic Alliance this past year to develop this one stop shop for information and resources about newborn screening. Be sure to check out babysfirsttest.org.
