What does the Newborn Screening Tests (NBS) - NBS blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Newborn Screening Tests (NBS) are a series of tests performed on newborns shortly after birth to detect various genetic, metabolic, and other disorders. These tests are crucial for early identification of potentially serious health conditions that may not be apparent at birth. NBS typically screens for disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU), congenital hypothyroidism, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and many others. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and treatment, potentially preventing severe developmental delays, health complications, or even death. The specific disorders screened for may vary by country or state, but the goal is always to improve health outcomes for newborns through early detection and intervention.
N/A - Newborn Screening Tests do not typically have ‘low’ readings. Instead, results are usually reported as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’. An ‘abnormal’ result doesn’t necessarily mean the baby has a disorder; it indicates that further testing is needed. False positives can occur, so follow-up testing is crucial to confirm or rule out any potential disorders.
N/A - Newborn Screening Tests do not typically have ‘high’ readings. Results are usually reported as ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’. An ‘abnormal’ result suggests that the baby may be at higher risk for a particular disorder and requires additional testing. It’s important to note that an abnormal screening result does not definitively diagnose a condition; it merely indicates the need for further evaluation.