The Value of Newborn Genetic ScreeningPreparing for parenthood can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Wondering what life will be like once your little one arrives is fun to do, but it can also be intimidating. The unknown can be the most terrifying part of becoming a parent, but there are some measures in place to help parents take a little of the unknown out of their child’s future. One measure is newborn genetic screening.
Newborn genetic screening is a panel of tests that identifies your child’s risk for inherited genetic and metabolic disorders. Early detection of these disorders is important because babies may not show obvious signs that they have an inherited disorder until after more serious symptoms have developed. Early identification can give your physician the opportunity to start specialized medical treatment and intervention that may improve your baby’s long-term health.
Added Protection with HealthCheck | NBNewborns have been screened in the United States since the 1960’s, and the importance of newborn screening is now recognized around the world. All 50 states require some form of newborn genetic screening, but it is up to each state to determine the number and types of disorders it screens for – some states test for more than others.
Professional medical organizations recommend that states screen for 29 newborn disorders, referred to as core disorders, and also recommend a secondary panel of 25 disorders to be included along with the core panel. Because both the core and secondary panel of tests are so critical several states automatically provide the secondary panel, however many states still do not.
That’s why ViaCord, through PerkinElmer, is happy to be able to offer the HealthCheck | NB newborn screening test to expectant parents. The HealthCheck | NB test can identify the presence of more than 50 inherited disorders, including Cystic Fibrosis and Maple Syrup Urine Disease, as well as many lesser-known disorders your state may not include in its screening program. HealthCheck | NB does not replace the testing done by your state; it works in addition to your state-provided tests and can be purchased by parents who reside in states that do not offer the complete secondary panel. To see a list of conditions your state is currently screening for, click here.
A Quick and Simple ProcessThe process for screening a newborn is simple. Once mom is moved to the post-partum room, a healthcare professional will perform the HealthCheck | NB blood sample collection, about 24-48 hours after birth, and at the same time as the newborn screening test required by the state. The actual procedure, called a heel stick, is a quick and simple process in which the baby’s heel is pricked, and a small amount of the blood is collected on absorbent paper. The heel stick is the most common way to draw blood from newborns. The sample is mailed to our genetics lab and the baby’s pediatrician notifies the parents of the lab results. If an abnormality is confirmed, early medical intervention can play a key role in helping him or her lead a healthier life.
Affordable Peace of MindPerkinElmer and ViaCord want to offer you peace of mind at an affordable cost. HealthCheck | NB may be purchased separately or in conjunction with ViaCord’s cord blood banking service. This unique “bundled” offer provides you withsignificant savings and allows you to roll the price of the service into one of ViaCord’s convenient payment plan options.
ViaCord is the only cord blood bank that can offer expectant families the added protection of newborn genetic screening. WithHealthCheck | NB, every newborn has the opportunity to get the most complete screen and valuable information possible. That’s something we’re proud of.
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