Common in the US, the heel prick test is done to check for rare congenital medical conditions in newborn babies. Popular since 1960, the test is done between 24 hours and five days after birth. The test requires a few drops of blood collected from the newborn’s heel. The baby’s heel is pricked to collect blood on a special filter paper, which is then sent to the laboratory for testing. This testing process is also known as newborn screening.
While the US has been performing newborn screening for almost 50 years now, India is yet to introduce a national newborn screening policy. Many health activists are fighting for a mandatory newborn screening policy, but nothing has materialised so far.
How is the Screening Done?
Ideally, when the baby is between 24 hours and 48 hours old, the doctor arranges for this test. However, it can be done even later. A nurse or technician will draw blood from your infant’s heel and place it on a special filter paper. Your baby will feel a prick and may start crying. It is better to breastfeed while the test is being done to divert the attention of your child.
Purpose of the Test
The test, in itself, is not a diagnostic tool. It just suggests some abnormalities. If your doctor suspects something abnormal in the report, he may ask you to repeat the test. The heel prick test or the newborn screening test is performed to check various rare but serious conditions. A timely test could save the lives of many infants. However, unfortunately in India, it is now only available at very select private hospitals.
This test can help in diagnosing the following disorders:
- Metabolic disorders: More than 44 metabolic disorders can be checked with this test.
- Inborn errors of metabolism can be screened with this test.
- Primary congenital hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that affects the ability to produce thyroid hormones. This can be diagnosed. A delayed diagnosis can affect the growth and development of your baby.
- Maple syrup urine disease is an amino acid disorder that affects the growth of a child. This condition makes it difficult to break down protein. Babies with this condition suffer from lethargy and poor feeding habits. This condition can be fatal.
- Sickle cell anemia causes anemia, fatigue, and death. This test can diagnose sickle cell anemia. Stem cell therapy is an effective treatment to cure sickle cell anemia.
Treatment
Many diseases diagnosed using newborn screening are rare but treatable. Early diagnosis can stop the progression of the disease and help your child manage the condition better. Sometimes a small lifestyle modification such as managing the diet can help your baby lead a normal life. Delayed diagnosis can hinder the cure and can also turn fatal. A stem cell transplant can help your child.
In India, only a few select private hospitals perform newborn screening. It is not yet available in the national health scheme. If your family has a history of genetic or congenital disorders, you can do this test at a private hospital.
