Newborn screening

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Newborn Screening

Newborn screening (pronunciation: /ˈnjuːbɔːrn ˈskriːnɪŋ/) is a preventive health measure to identify conditions that could affect a child’s long-term health or survival. Early detection, diagnosis, and intervention can prevent death or disability and enable children to reach their full potential.

Etymology

The term "newborn screening" is derived from the English words "newborn", referring to a recently born child, and "screening", meaning to test or examine for the presence of something, in this case, certain medical conditions.

Related Terms

Process

Newborn screening involves two types of tests. The first is a blood test, known as the Guthrie test, which checks for a number of genetic disorders. The second is a hearing test, which can detect early signs of hearing loss.

Importance

Newborn screening is important because it can detect conditions that may not be apparent at birth, but that can cause serious health problems if not treated early. Many of these conditions can be treated effectively if detected early, preventing or reducing the risk of developmental problems, illness, and death.

Controversies

While newborn screening has many benefits, it also has some controversies. Some parents may refuse screening for religious or personal reasons. There are also concerns about privacy and the potential for genetic discrimination.

External links

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