Newborn Screening Tests Overview

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Newborn screening is the ritual of testing a newborn for particular damaging or potentially fatal disorders that are not necessarily evident at birth. Every state and U.S. territory routinely screens newborns for specific metabolic birth defects, often referred to as "inborn errors of metabolism". These metabolic disorders are chemical changes that occur within living cells and get in the way of the body's use of nutrients to sustain healthy tissues and generate energy. These disorders are not apparent in the newborn, but can cause significant physical problems, mental retardation and, even at times, death. Newborn screening tests can even detect problems associated with blood or hormones.

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Related Newborn Screening Tests Articles

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• Newborn Screening Tests Overview
• The Importance of Screening
• Getting Back the Results
• Particular Disorders Screened For
• Repeat Testing
• Final Thoughts