We understand that having the opportunity to protect a child from preventable complications is an important one. That’s why we take pride in letting our families know we’re backed by 14 yrs of experience analyzing blood samples from millions of newborns in the US and hundreds of thousands of newborns internationally. And we’re the only domestic lab that screens for the entire HRSA and ACMG recommended panel of disorders. Below are some frequently asked questions we hope you’ll find helpful.
Is newborn screening for metabolic disorders a new procedure?
No. Newborns have been screened for inherited disorders in the U.S. since the early 1960s.
Why would I have my baby tested?
Newborns may not show obvious signs that they have an inherited disorder until after health complications have developed. Early identification can allow your physician to start specialized medical treatment that may improve the long-term health of your baby.
How is my baby tested?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood by pricking your baby’s heel. The sample is placed on the absorbent filter paper located in every HealthCheck | NB packet and sent to PerkinElmer's laboratory for analysis.
Does a ‘heel stick’ hurt the baby?
The ‘heel stick’ is the most common way to draw blood from newborns and causes no harm to the baby. It involves a quick, virtually noninvasive, prick of the newborn baby’s heel and then a small amount of the blood is collected on the special HealthCheck | NB filter paper.
When is the screening performed?
The baby’s screening should take by means of a heel stick 24-48 hours after birth. It is best if this occurs simultaneously with the state PKU tests to avoid additional heel sticks.
Can I test my baby myself?
No. Your physician must coordinate the entire process. You should not, under any circumstances, attempt to draw and submit the blood sample yourself.
How many disorders does the HealthCheck|NB panel include?
HealthCheck | NB can identify the presence of nearly 60 inherited disorders, including Cystic Fibrosis, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, and SCID as well as many lesser-known disorders your state may not include in its screening program.
Does the HealthCheck | NB screening test replace the testing done by my state?
HealthCheck | NB does not replace the testing done by your state. The HealthCheck | NB screen is in addition to your state provided screen and helps ensure you and your family receive the most comprehensive and valuable information as possible.
When will I know the results of the screening?
The testing will be complete approximately three business days after the sample arrives at PerkinElmer laboratory. Your child’s physician will be notified immediately of any abnormal results by telephone. We are not able to give results directly to parents.
What happens if my child has an abnormal result?
Your child’s physician will be notified by a genetic counselor immediately if an abnormal result appears at the time of screening. An abnormal result indicates the need for diagnostic testing to confirm the presence of a disorder. If an abnormality is confirmed, early medical intervention can play a key role in helping him or her lead a normal life.
Can I order HealthCheck|NB if I live anywhere in the US?
Yes. 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. HealthCheck | NB can be purchased by parents who reside in states that do not offer the complete secondary panel to ensure their babies get the most complete, timely results. To see a list of conditions your state is currently screening for, click here.
How do I order the HealthCheck | NB genetic screening packet?
You can order HealthCheck|NB by calling ViaCord at: 866-668-4895
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