| Newborn Screenings- Public Awareness Key Messages:
Newborn screenings are screening tests that look for uncommon health disorders in newborn babies.
Newborn screenings are important because they can help doctors treat conditions that, if not treated early, could result in life-long health problems, mental retardation, or even death.
Newborn screening testing is simple. Health care providers collect a few drops of blood from a small heel-prick from babies and send the blood spots to a lab for testing.
All newborn babies in Arkansas are screened to protect their health. Starting in July, 2008, Arkansas will be a leader in the country by expanding testing to 29 treatable conditions through newborn screenings.
Newborn Screenings- Expectant Families/Families of Newborns Key Messages:
All of the above PLUS:
There is no risk to babies except maybe some bruising or soreness on the skin from the heel-prick.
Tell your health care providers if you have a family history of genetic or other disorders before and after your baby is born.
Most likely, the test results will be normal. If the result is not normal, your baby will need more tests right away to make sure hes okay.
A single positive result does not necessarily mean that a baby has a condition.
Make sure that your health care providers have contact information to reach you in case further testing needs to be arranged for your baby.
If your baby does have one of the disorders, early treatment is necessary to ensure the best health of your baby.
For more information about newborn screenings for parents and professionals, visit www.marchofdimes.com/nbs .
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